Edinburgh City Football Club is hoping to tap into the entrepreneurial expertise of restaurateur Stefano Pieraccini as it names him commercial director.
Scots-Italian Pieraccini was raised in the hospitality industry and is the operator behind The Rocca Group, which owns the Seafood Ristorante restaurant in St Andrews and The Broughton in Edinburgh.
The group opened another capital venue, Cafe Calton, earlier this year.
Commanding views from Arthur’s Seat to the Firth of Forth, the venue is targeted squarely at tourists as well as Edinburgh locals.
In the newly-created role of commercial director at Edinburgh City FC, he will look to strengthen the football club’s commercial operations and partnerships.
It signals a return to football for the successful restaurateur, who worked in marketing for the FA in London before embarking on his hospitality career.
He has said that he hopes to make an immediate impact at the League Two club, which plays at the Meadowbank Stadium in Edinburgh.
“Everyone I have met at Edinburgh City FC over the past few weeks has been outstanding,” said Pieraccini – who was named SLTN Entrepreneur of the Year in 2021.
“It’s clear the club is built on dedication, unity, and genuine support.
“I’m excited to contribute by working closely with our partners, supporters, and the wider Edinburgh community to help strengthen the club’s commercial foundations for the future and add value wherever possible.”
Club chairman, John Dickson, added: “I am delighted to welcome Stefano, and I am sure he will be a tremendous addition to our club.
“Stefano brings exceptional experience across business, partnerships, brands and media.
“I am excited to have someone with such high level skill sets on board, who can help us achieve our commercial objectives.”
