Birmingham City's Leadership Structure During Owner's Health Recovery
Birmingham City Football Club has entered a significant period with owner Tom Wagner recovering from a stroke that occurred more than a month ago. The club has deliberately chosen not to provide regular health updates, even to internal staff, prioritizing Wagner's privacy and recovery time. Meanwhile, the professional football machinery continues to operate without interruption, with the team focusing on finishing the 2025/26 season strongly while advancing off-field projects like the Sports Quarter development.
Continuity in Senior Management Roles
Since Knighthead's acquisition of Birmingham City in July 2023, Tom Wagner has been the public face of the club's ambitions. However, behind the scenes, a dedicated senior management team has always handled daily operations. During Wagner's absence, this team maintains their established responsibilities and timelines, ensuring business continuity.
Jeremy Dale – Chief Executive Officer
Jeremy Dale, a lifelong Blues supporter, initially facilitated the transition from Birmingham Sports Holdings ownership. After assembling various investors, Wagner emerged as the primary figure willing to take full control. Following the acquisition, Dale initially oversaw the Foundation before becoming interim CEO in January 2025 and permanent CEO in June 2025.
With extensive executive experience at Microsoft, Motorola, Orange, and ITV Digital, Dale now manages day-to-day club operations and drives commercial growth. He serves as the direct liaison with the board and continues executing the role as originally designed with Wagner's involvement.
Nick Smith – Head of Infrastructure
While Wagner represents the club publicly, Nick Smith handles the physical development aspects as Head of Infrastructure. Responsible for the Sports Quarter project, St Andrew's Stadium improvements, and training ground upgrades, Smith joined shortly after Knighthead's arrival.
Previously founder and Managing Director at Ardent Sports, Smith has transformed St Andrew's from a neglected facility into a consistently full stadium generating crucial revenue. He regularly updates supporters about The Powerhouse and former Wheels site developments through Open House events.
Andrew Shanahan – Club Director
Andrew Shanahan represents Knighthead as a hands-on presence at Birmingham City, though he avoids the spotlight of public relations campaigns. Recognized by Wagner as his right-hand man in last season's address to supporters, Shanahan serves on the Blues board and directs The Phoenix cricket franchise.
As Knighthead's Director of Research since 2008, Shanahan evaluates potential investments and leads Birmingham City's data analysis efforts. His significant external project involves a $10 billion transformation of a Pennsylvania power site into a massive AI and computing campus.
Matt Alvarez – Club Director
Appointed to the board in July 2023, film producer Matt Alvarez brings sports investment experience to Birmingham City. Known for movies like Straight Outta Compton, Alvarez has invested in pickleball ventures with Tom Brady and tennis with Kim Clijsters.
He executive produced the Amazon Prime documentary Built in Birmingham: Brady & the Blues, helped secure the Undefeated sponsorship deal, and focuses primarily on the women's team and marketing department.
Ara Cohen – Knighthead Co-Founder
Ara Cohen, Tom Wagner's long-time business partner and Knighthead co-founder since 2008, represents another key figure in the ownership structure. While attending matches like the Leeds United fixture, Cohen isn't expected to assume Wagner's high-profile role or influence daily operations directly.
Cohen serves as director for Palm Beach Synagogue and the Professional Fighters League, where Knighthead is lead owner. The PFL plans 24 global events in 2026, including matches in Dubai and Madrid, with enhanced storytelling and official ranking systems.
Additional Key Personnel
Craig Gardner transitioned from Technical Director to Director of Football in 2025, overseeing the entire football department and player recruitment. Kyle Kneisly, a Knighthead partner and Blues board member, focuses primarily on the Sports Quarter development alongside Nick Smith, leveraging his finance background from Farmstead Capital Management.
This comprehensive management structure ensures Birmingham City maintains operational stability and continues pursuing both sporting and commercial objectives during Tom Wagner's recovery period.
