Andy Anson

Andrew Anson
Born	1965 Oldham, Lancashire, England
Occupation(s)	Sports and media executive
Years active	1990s–present
Known for	CEO of British Olympic Association; Chairman of Lancashire County Cricket Club; former president of Fanatics International; Commercial Director at Manchester United

Andrew Edward Anson OBE (born 1965) is a prominent British executive recognized for his contributions to the sports and media sectors. He currently serves as the CEO of the British Olympic Association and holds the position of chairman at Lancashire County Cricket Club. Previously, he was president of Fanatics International (formerly known as Kitbag) for five and a half years.

Early life

Anson was born in Oldham, Lancashire, and spent his childhood in Rochdale. Although a supporter of Manchester United, he played football for the Manchester City schoolboys team. He pursued higher education at Exeter College, Oxford, where he earned a second-class degree in mathematics and was awarded a university Blue for football.

Career

Following his studies at Oxford, Anson began his professional journey with Andersen Consulting, working with clients such as North West Water. He then completed an MBA at INSEAD before returning to consulting at the Kalchas Group. Subsequently, he joined The Walt Disney Company in Los Angeles, overseeing licensing operations for apparel and toys. During his time there, Disney’s consumer products division achieved $7 billion in revenue, and Anson rose to the role of chief financial officer.

Upon returning to the United Kingdom, Anson took on the role of Head of Strategic Planning and later became managing director of Channel 4 Interactive, playing a key role in launching E4. In 2002, he became a partner at OC&C Strategy Consultants, where he led Media and Entertainment strategy initiatives.

Anson was honored as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2022 New Year Honours list for his contributions to sport amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Manchester United

In 2003, Anson was appointed Commercial Director at Manchester United, his childhood club, following David Gill’s promotion to chief executive and Peter Kenyon’s move to Chelsea. His appointment was confirmed in December 2003, with an official start date in February 2004. During this period, he negotiated the club’s record-breaking shirt sponsorship deal with AIG.

Association of Tennis Professionals

In March 2007, Anson took on the role of chief executive at the Association of Tennis Professionals Europe (ATP Europe), succeeding Horst Klosterkemper. Over two and a half years, he also chaired the ATP Finals held at The O2 Arena in London and served as co-CEO of the ATP Champions Tour for retired players.

England 2018

Anson was appointed chief executive of England 2018 Ltd in 2008, overseeing The Football Association’s bid to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Beginning his leadership in January 2009, he managed the bid until its conclusion in 2011 after losing to Russia. Although England’s submission was praised as the best technical bid overall, allegations of corruption clouded the campaign. Anson openly criticized FIFA president Sepp Blatter for purportedly swaying committee members against England’s proposal.

Fanatics International (formerly Kitbag)

In mid-2011, Anson became chief executive of sports retailer Kitbag. By February 2016, having successfully revitalized the company, he led its acquisition by US-based leader Fanatics. He remained with the business for an additional year to oversee a smooth transition.

Teneo

On 1 March 2017, Anson took on the position of global president at Teneo Sports, the sports sector of the New York-based advisory and investment banking company Teneo.

Goals Soccer Centres plc

In April 2018, Anson assumed the role of CEO at Goals Soccer Centres plc.

Non-executive directorships

Anson has held non-executive director roles with Belfast's UTV Media, the British Olympic Association, and Racecourse Media Group.

Lancashire County Cricket Club

Following David Hodgkiss's passing, Anson was named chair in 2020, with his appointment ratified at the 2021 AGM. He secured re-election in 2024 for a three-year period but declared plans to step down after the England versus India test match at Old Trafford in summer 2025.