Elkann confirms family member will become Juventus president

Italy's Agnelli family, owner of automobile giant Fiat, confirmed yesterday that fourth-generation family member Andrea Agnelli will become the president of Italian football club Juventus in the summer.

Angelli's cousin John Elkann made the announcement at yesterday's shareholder meeting of Exor, the investment arm of the family's empire, which owns 60% of Juventus. Elkann, who is chairman of both Exor and Fiat, said: "Juve is very important to my family and to me. There is a need for constant closeness."

34-year-old Agnelli (pictured) will replace current chairman Jean-Claude Blanc to take the position held by his father, Umberto Agnelli, 48 years ago. In a statement announcing his appointment on the Juventus website, Agnelli said: "I think I can give an important contribution to the development of the club. It is a complicated route, which first and foremost will see the strengthening of the structures on all levels.

"The history of my family is linked to this team and began 84 years ago. My father was president nearly 50 years ago, but the closeness with Juventus was always a holistic one. I am proud to give my contribution," he concluded.

The appointment of Andrea Agnelli follows the promotion of Elkann to Fiat chairman last week. (Continue reading here) In a further move towards consolidation of the family's control of its assets, Elkann will also become chairman of the family's holding company Giovanni Agnelli & C Sapaz in May. 

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