Inter Milan Ranks Fourth in Football Short Video Traffic: Ten Directors and New Chairman Revealed

In today's fast-paced world dominated by short videos, traditional writers like myself are increasingly seen as outdated. This unfortunate reality was highlighted when my superior remarked on how we've fallen behind in this short-video era. However, while individuals like me may be struggling to keep up, Inter Milan certainly has not. In fact, the club has made significant strides in leveraging social media, particularly short video platforms, to boost its global presence and fan engagement.

The Rise and Fall of Inter Milan's Social Media Strategy

Initially, Inter Milan lagged behind due to the lack of vision and ineffective management of its former owner, Erick Thohir. During the early days of social media's evolution, dominated by text and image-based platforms, Inter Milan fell 4-5 years behind its European rivals and even local neighbors like AC Milan. This delay resulted in a significant disadvantage in terms of social media traffic.

In recent years, Inter Milan has made considerable efforts to catch up, dramatically increasing its online presence. However, the club still struggles to overcome the initial setback entirely. Much of this can be attributed to Thohir's mismanagement, which left a substantial void that took years to fill.

Steven Zhang's Vision and the Short Video Era

Fortunately, when short video platforms began to rise, Steven Zhang, the then-owner of Inter Milan, seized the opportunity. Under his leadership, the club embraced platforms like TikTok, significantly enhancing its digital footprint. Today, according to a recent TikTok report, Inter Milan ranks fourth in short video traffic among European football clubs, with 123 million views, trailing only Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester City.

This achievement highlights the stark contrast in vision and strategy between Zhang and Thohir. While Thohir's tenure was marred by missed opportunities and lackluster performance, Zhang's proactive approach has paid off, earning him the gratitude of Inter Milan's faithful, especially the fans in the Curva Nord (North Stand).

The Legacy of Zhang's Social Media Efforts

Even though Steven Zhang has since departed from Inter Milan, the efforts he invested in building the club's social media presence, particularly through short videos, will continue to benefit the club for years to come. This proactive engagement has fostered a robust online community, driving higher levels of fan interaction and global reach.

The New Board of Directors

As Inter Milan prepares for a new era, the focus has shifted to the upcoming restructuring of the club's board of directors and the announcement of a new chairman. According to various club insiders and reporters, the new board will consist of ten members, with Oak Tree Capital holding a majority with eight members, while the remaining two seats will be occupied by Inter Milan's management.

The Confirmed Board Members

The current CEOs of Inter Milan, Beppe Marotta and Alessandro Antonello, will retain their positions on the board. Oak Tree Capital has finalized six of its eight seats, with the following members confirmed: Marchetti, Cassarai, Alejandro Cano, Casserini-Ralph, Rigoli, and Meduri. The final two members will be announced shortly by the club.

Implications of the New Board Structure

The restructuring of the board is likely to dilute the decision-making authority of Marotta and Antonello. Previously, the board's composition was balanced with a 5-2-2-1 structure: five members from Suning, two from Oak Tree Capital, two CEOs from Inter Milan, and one from LionRock. This setup allowed for a degree of balance and ensured that Marotta and Antonello's votes held significant weight.

However, with the new "2-8" structure, Marotta and Antonello will be in a weaker position if their views conflict with those of Oak Tree Capital, which will now hold an overwhelming majority. This shift could potentially change the dynamics within the club's management, reducing the influence of the current CEOs.

The New Chairman: Potential Candidates

On June 4th, Inter Milan is expected to announce its new chairman. According to insiders and backed by reports from Gazzetta dello Sport, the choice will likely be between two independent directors: Marchetti and Cassarai, with the former being the more probable candidate.

Profile of Marchetti

Marchetti is a legal expert born in 1973 and currently a professor of law at the University of Milan. He specializes in corporate law, financial law, and banking law. Marchetti has substantial influence within Italian bureaucratic circles and serves on several prestigious committees, including the Italian Notary Committee and the Milan Notary Committee. He also has extensive practical experience, having been a board member of various companies and organizations. A passionate Inter Milan fan, Marchetti's expertise in legal and corporate matters could prove invaluable, especially in the context of the new stadium project.

Profile of Cassarai

Cassarai, born in 1966, holds dual master's degrees in electrical engineering and management. A financial expert, he currently holds a senior position at Apax Partners, a leading private equity firm based in London. Apax manages substantial assets, with a significant presence in the Asia-Pacific region, including a branch in Shanghai known as Anbai Shen Investment Group. Cassarai's extensive network and experience in finance could be beneficial for Inter Milan, particularly in securing sponsorship deals. This summer, the club has already secured a new main sponsor, but there are still opportunities to attract additional sponsors for areas like the shirt sleeves.

The Future of Inter Milan Under New Leadership

Oak Tree Capital is not expected to manage Inter Milan in the long term. Marchetti and Cassarai, if appointed, may serve as transitional figures, helping the club navigate through its immediate challenges and laying the groundwork for future success. Both have the potential to make significant contributions: Marchetti in overcoming bureaucratic hurdles for the new stadium project, and Cassarai in leveraging his financial acumen to enhance the club's revenue streams.

Conclusion

As Inter Milan enters a new chapter with a restructured board and the appointment of a new chairman, the club's fans can look forward to continued growth and success. The legacy of Steven Zhang's social media strategy will undoubtedly play a crucial role in maintaining and expanding the club's global reach. Meanwhile, the new leadership will face the task of building on these foundations to secure Inter Milan's place among the elite of European football.