The World Football Summit (WFS) has announced Fernando Carro, CEO of Bayer 04 Leverkusen, as the winner of the prestigious Best Executive Award for 2024, presented by Nolan Partners.
This accolade recognizes executives who have made significant contributions to their organizations, efficiently managing resources and achieving substantial impact.
Carro’s exceptional leadership saw Bayer Leverkusen enjoy an unbeaten season, culminating in the club’s first-ever Bundesliga title and a DFB-Pokal victory, marking a historic moment in the club’s history.
Upon receiving the award, Carro expressed his gratitude and credited the entire Bayer 04 family for the success.
“I feel honored and delighted to be rewarded with the Best Executive Award 2024. It was quite an amazing journey last season, the result of many years of hard work before.
“I appreciate that the work behind all this has been recognized by the WFS organization. I am grateful and happy to share this with my colleague Simon Rolfes, with Xabi Alonso and the team, and with the whole Bayer 04 family,” said Carro.
He added that the challenge now is to maintain the level of success achieved last season.
Carro succeeds Ferran Soriano of City Football Group as the latest recipient of this esteemed award. His tenure at Bayer Leverkusen has been defined by ambition and strategic planning, traits that Marian Otamendi, CEO at World Football Summit, emphasized in her remarks.
“Ambition, resilience, and focus are traits Mr. Carro has demonstrated as a leader of Bayer Leverkusen, and these are essential for any football business leader looking to make the industry reach untapped potential.”
Chad Biagini, President of Nolan Partners, echoed these sentiments, commending Carro for his influence both on and off the pitch.
“Fernando’s profound impact on and off the pitch makes him an exceptionally deserving recipient of this year’s World Football Summit Best Executive Award, and we look forward to his future success,” said Biagini.
Carro’s award will be presented at the WFS Awards ceremony on September 18 in Sevilla, part of the eighth edition of WFS Europe, one of the premier gatherings in the global football industry.
The event is set to bring together over 2,500 professionals and decision-makers, featuring speakers such as Italian football legend Giorgio Chiellini, LaLiga President Javier Tebas, and Hammad Albalawi, Head of Saudi Arabia’s FIFA World Cup 2034 bid.
Supported by key partners such as Turkish Airlines, Junta de Andalucía, and The Football Business Academy, WFS Europe will offer unparalleled networking opportunities and insights into the football industry’s future. Representatives from major football organizations, including UEFA, Atlético de Madrid, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, and Juventus, will also be in attendance.
The World Football Summit continues to honor excellence and innovation in football management, with Fernando Carro’s recognition underscoring the event’s commitment to shaping the future of the sport.
