The former sporting director of Brøndby IF and HB Køge leaves his post as director of the Women’s Division Association in Denmark to take on a new challenge as General Manager of CD Mafra.
With more than 20 years of experience in talent development and sports management, the 57-year-old Dane brings a strong profile and an extensive network of contacts to CD Mafra.
“Per has shown time and again how to build a robust football organisation. His ability to deliver results at both strategic and operational level makes him a figure of respect. He is a unifying leader with a unique talent for motivating and creating a shared vision.” said Claus Steinlein, CEO of The Football Collective.
“CD Mafra is entering an exciting future with great ambitions. With Per at the helm, we are confident that we can take the next steps in the development of the club – on and off the pitch”, he adds.
A unique opportunity
Per Rud is looking forward to the new challenges at CD Mafra and stresses that the opportunity was too good to turn down.
“This is an opportunity that goes directly to the heart of my passion – talent development and club management. I have always dreamed of working abroad again, and I am excited to get to know the existing leadership team and to put my experience in the game to use in a new and dynamic context.”, he states.
Per stresses that his role is not only one of management, but also of active participation in the development of the club:
“Mafra has already taken significant steps, most recently with investments in new training facilities. My task will be to build on that foundation and ensure that the club continues its positive trajectory. It is an enormous responsibility, which I take very seriously.”
Although Per Rud greatly enjoyed his tenure as director of the Danish Women’s Division Association, the decision to change roles involved a great deal of consideration and reflection.
“It was a great joy to be able to contribute to the development of women’s football. Although my time at the Women’s Division Association has been only six months, this is a connection rooted in many years of political involvement since the creation of women’s football at HB Køge in 2018. I am not leaving for lack of enthusiasm – I loved the role – but sometimes you have to seize a unique opportunity when it comes along”, he concludes.
The current structure remains unchanged, and the arrival of the new director, which will take place on 7 January 2025, should be seen as a reinforcement of the existing structure of CD Mafra – Futebol, SAD.
