Manchester City Chief Executive, Ferran Soriano, received an honorary degree from the University of Salford in a ceremony on Wednesday for his contribution to business and football.

The 51-year-old from Barcelona has served as Manchester City CEO since 2012 and took charge of the City Football group two years later.

In his time as CEO, Soriano is responsible for growing business globally, as the City Football Group have acquired clubs such as New York City FC and Melbourne City FC.

The City executive was recognised by the University of Salford on Wednesday as part of the graduation ceremony and on receiving the honorary degree said:“I am very honoured. It is fantastic to be recognised in this way. Manchester is my home now, so it makes it extra special that The University of Salford has given me this honour. Hopefully I’ll be able to inspire a few of the hard working students who are graduating with me today.”

Soraino has 25-years of experience of business experience in the football world.

For example, he served as FC Barcelona’s Vice-Chariman and CEO between 2003-08 and is credited with transforming the club into one of the most successful teams in the world, both on the field and off it.

The City CEO has negotiated with some of the world’s most famous players and worked on some of the most significant TV and merchandising deals in the sport’s history.

Mr Soriano was nominated for the honour by Simon Chadwick, Professor of Sports Enterprise at the University of Salford Business School.

Mr Chadwick said that Soriano deserved the honour because: “Ferran Soriano has a long track record of managing football clubs, now with Manchester City but previously with FC Barcelona.

“Throughout his time in the sport, he has proved himself to be a thoughtful, innovative manager and leader, often doing things in a very different way to his rivals

“The way in which he goes about his business deserves recognition, not least for the way in which he challenges students of business to change the way they think both about football and business.”

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