SIA Judge Beard Named Qpr Ceo

Philip Beard, a member of the judging panel for the Sport Industry Awards, has been named the new chief executive officer of Queens Park Rangers – after Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes completed his takeover of the Premiership club.

Beard has been involved in three highly successful international businesses; a founding partner of Air Miles International, a senior member of the successful London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic bid team in 2005, and CEO of The O2 where he led a team to re-launch the Millennium Dome as a world-leading entertainment destination.

Under his leadership The O2 was transformed from white elephant to the world’s number one music arena.

Since leaving The O2 two years ago, Beard has set up his own consultancy business advising leading sports clubs, sports bodies and associations on commercial and business strategy.

Beard’s move comes after Fernandes secured a 66% stake in QPR, buying out previous majority shareholders Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone.

Fernandes will work alongside the Mittal Family, who have retained their 33% stake.

The 47-year old said: ‘QPR is a raw diamond and hopefully I can contribute into turning it into a diamond’.

‘Everyone knows I’ve followed West Ham all my life but I’ve always had a soft spot for QPR. Rangers were one of the first teams I watched as a child at Loftus Road’.

He will take the role of chairman of QPR Holdings Ltd and will be joined on the board by joint Tune Group owner Mr Kamarudin Bin Meranun, one of Malaysia’s most successful business tycoons.

Fernandes added: ‘I have ambitions in the long term. I could easily say we’re going to win the Champions League and the Premier League but that’s really not my style. I don’t want to make big promises I can’t guarantee’.

‘I want the fans to be proud of what we’re doing and be involved as much as we can. The fans pay good money and are stakeholders, so whatever we do, I want the fans to be proud. We’ll do it in style and with integrity’.