Leeds name long-time fan and philanthropist to board, 25 years after first investment in club

Leeds United has announced the addition of Andrea Dracopoulos to the board of directors, 25 years after he first invested in the club. The Greek is based in New York and is currently co-chairman of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, a philanthropic organisation.

Dracopoulos takes a seat on the board having made a fresh investment in the club. However, this is not the first time he has been a shareholder at Elland Road. In 2001, City Wire reported he had taken a three per cent stake in the club, which Leeds has corroborated today.

It is unclear when Dracopoulos sold his shares, but United’s announcement says he has been a lifelong supporter of the club, having obtained his first official club membership 50 years ago. His family made its money through shipping and he eventually rose to take control of the Niarchos organisation at the start of the 21st century.

Dracopoulos and chairman Paraag Marathe are understood to have known each for several years, with the former long keen to invest in the club. He joins a board already populated by Marathe, vice-chairman Andrew Schwartzberg, managing director Robbie Evans, Peter Lowy and Eugene Schneur.

49ers Enterprises took control of Leeds in July 2023, five years after first taking a minority stake in the club under Andrea Radrizzani’s ownership.