City Football Group, today confirmed the appointment of Sir Howard Bernstein as a strategic development advisor to support the next phase of community, commercial and development initiatives in and around the Etihad Campus.

Marty Edelman, City Football Group Board member, commented: “We are deeply honoured that Sir Howard has accepted this role as we progress ambitious plans to advance the Campus and surrounding areas. Sir Howard’s retirement from Manchester City Council earlier this year meant that we could have potentially lost his invaluable two decades of experience in rejuvenating East Manchester.  We are delighted that he will take an active role in the continued revitalisation of the area through the further evolution of the Etihad Campus.”

As part of his advisory role, Sir Howard will be a member of the Board of Eastlands Strategic Development Company, the joint venture between Manchester City Council and CFG parent company, the Abu Dhabi United Group, that serves as a catalyst for the development of the Etihad Campus and surrounding areas.

Sir Howard was a driving force for Sports City and the 2002 Commonwealth Games, which then became the Etihad Campus following the Abu Dhabi United Group’s acquisition of Manchester City in 2008.

The subsequent partnership between MCC and ADUG led to more than £400m of investment, resulting in the 80-acre City Football Academy, an expanded stadium, and an ecosystem of new community education, sports and leisure facilities.

ENDS