The San Francisco 49ers are signaling confidence in their long-term business vision by promoting team president Al Guido to chief executive officer, a title previously held by owner Jed York since 2010.
While the move does not alter the organization’s reporting structure, it represents a shift as the franchise looks toward its next phase of growth on and off the field.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementGuido will continue to report directly to York, who will now carry the title of principal owner.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch will also remain under York’s oversight, and no changes have been made to the team’s organizational chart or Guido’s portfolio of responsibilities.
Instead, the promotion reflects the growing scope of Guido’s influence and the York family's trust in his leadership.
“This isn’t about slowing down,” Guido said. “It’s about what comes next. From Candlestick to Levi’s Stadium, we’ve climbed the pecking order. Now we’re thinking bigger globally. We’re just getting started.”
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementGuido joined the 49ers in 2014 as chief operating officer and was elevated to president two years later. Since then, the organization has undergone a dramatic transformation off the field.
Levi’s Stadium replaced Candlestick Park in 2014 and has since become one of the NFL’s premier venues, hosting everything from major concerts to College Football Playoff games.
Those events have fueled enormous financial growth. By most estimates, the 49ers now rank among the top five NFL teams in revenue, and the franchise recently sold a 1% stake at a valuation of more than $9 billion.
At the same time, the team has aggressively expanded its international footprint, cultivating a growing fan base in markets such as Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the UAE.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementYork praised Guido’s impact in a statement, calling his leadership essential to the franchise’s momentum.
“The evolution of his role reflects how vital he has been to this organization and our confidence in what lies ahead,” York said.
With Guido stepping into the CEO role, York may now have greater flexibility to focus on 49ers Enterprises, including ownership stakes in Leeds United and Rangers FC, as well as future investments.
As the 49ers host another Super Bowl and prepare for a global spotlight in the years ahead, Guido’s promotion underscores the franchise's intent to build sustained excellence not just on Sundays but across the worldwide sports landscape.
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