Who is Paraag Marathe? Leeds United's new vice chairman profiled after San Francisco 49ers increase Elland Road stake

Leeds United majority owner Andrea Radrizzani has sold a further stake in the Elland Road club to NFL giants San Francisco 49ers.

The 49ers initially invested in the Whites in the summer of 2018 and have now increased their shareholding to 37 per cent following the club's promotion to the Premier League last summer.

The new investment will also see Paraag Marathe, 49ers Enterprises president and current Leeds board member, become the vice chairman of Leeds United.

Here, we take a closer look at Marathe and his career so far...

Paraag Marathe profiled...

The son of immigrants from India, Marathe’s parents ran pizza restaurants in California and he grew up as a 49ers fan.

After graduating with a business degree from Stanford University and a few years of work in management consultancy, Marathe - with no background in American football - joined the 49ers as their special projects manager in 2001.

He gained a reputation for understanding statistics, finances and the workings of the NFL and began climbing the ladder. His profile grew in tandem, despite what reports in America describe as his tendency to avoid publicity.

Marathe moved roles after three years, becoming assistant to the club’s general manager and then took on the senior role of director of football operations.

It was Marathe’s responsibility to negotiate contracts and the recruitment of players, manage the 49ers’ salary cap and ensure compliance with the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, a deal governing the distribution of revenues and employment rights for players in the sport.

In time, other opportunities came his way.

He served as the 49ers president for two years and their chief operating officer for three years, overseeing the club’s move from its iconic Candlestick Park arena to the Levi Stadium, a ground with a capacity of almost 70,000 which opened in 2014.

What is his current role with the San Francisco 49ers?

Marathe is now in his 20th year with the 49ers, and serves as the President of 49ers Enterprises and Executive Vice President of Football Operations.

He began his current double role in March 2018, just a few months before joining the Leeds board.

The 49ers website states: "On the football side, Marathe continues in his long-respected role as the team's chief contract negotiator and salary cap architect, while overseeing the team's football analytics department, among other football duties.

"He is responsible for the 49ers compliance with the NFL's collective bargaining agreement and works alongside general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan on all aspects of the club's football operations. Marathe also serves on the NFL's Future of Football Committee."

When did he join Leeds United and what is his new role?

Marathe was appointed to the board of directors at Elland Road in 2018 following the initial investment in West Yorkshire from the NFL franchise.

With the latest increase of shareholding to 37 per cent from the 49ers, he will now operate as vice chairman of the Whites.