20.08.24Club news

Mercury/13 announces new executive team for F.C. Como Women

Elena and MauroPhoto Credit: Como Women

COMO, August 19, 2024 – F.C. Como Women is pleased to announce the appointment of its new executive team, effective August 19. This change is part of Mercury/13's strategy and reflects our commitment to bringing innovative talent into the sports, commercial, and digital media sectors, incorporating high-profile professionals with fresh perspectives and proven expertise.

Elena Mirandola, CEO of F.C. Como Women

Elena Mirandola joins F.C. Como Women as CEO, bringing a distinctive background in digital media, marketing, and technology. Recognized internationally as a leader in her field, she comes to Como after serving as Managing Director at Alkemy SpA since 2021. Born in Padua, Italy, she has developed her career across Italy, the UK, the UAE, Malaysia, and Singapore, managing teams comprising 15 nationalities and building international squads of media and data experts from diverse cultural backgrounds. She has worked on digital transformation projects for major brands like Emirates, Avis, and Nike, and has held significant roles at Artefact and Expedia Group. Nominated InspiringFifty in 2021, Elena is active in women's empowerment and gender parity with European Women On Board (EWOB).

“I’m inspired by Mercury/13’s vision for women’s football,” said the new CEO.

“I’m excited to combine my commercial and marketing experience with my passion for sports. Our goal is to establish F.C. Como Women as a profitable and high-level organisation, while making a significant social impact by demonstrating that a women's team can thrive independently. I aim to contribute to the growth of women’s sports and empower future generations.”

Mauro Ferrara, COO of F.C. Como Women

With solid managerial experience in event operations and security management for sports events, Mauro Ferrara takes on the role of COO at F.C. Como Women. Starting his career in 2000 with F.C. Internazionale, he held operational roles at San Siro Stadium, eventually becoming a safety delegate and event manager. Since 2014, he has managed the Club’s sports facilities and coordinated operational aspects across various sites. In 2018, he was Sport Facilities Director for A.C. Milan, managing daily operations and infrastructure renovations. From 2019 to present, he has held leadership roles at Spezia Calcio, GIS-srl, and EMG.

“Today, football has a predominantly male perspective,” said Mauro Ferrara.

“Our task is to find new tools and methodologies that align with the physiology of women’s football, allowing maximum expression of the passion and strength that women bring.”

Elena and MauroPhoto Credit: Como Women

Vision and Goals

The shared goal is to elevate women’s football, specifically F.C. Como Women, to a fully independent business status, demonstrating that a women’s team can be self-sustaining without relying on the men's team. Commercially, the aim is to identify sponsors and partners who align with the project’s values and are willing to contribute to its success.

Words from Mercury/13

“Our top priority since Como Women became our inaugural club has been to find exceptional leaders to help build this club into one of Italy’s leading women’s football teams,” said Co-CEO & Co-Founder Mario Malavè, who handled the selection process. “We proudly conducted an open process and were truly honoured by the quality and diversity of the candidates. I’m thrilled to have Elena and Mauro with us on this ambitious mission.”

About Elena: “I’m excited to have Elena lead Como Women into this new phase of growth. Elena has had a remarkable and global career in digital and media sectors, consistently building high-performing teams wherever she has been. She has extensive experience leading marketing and media strategies for some of the most innovative brands in the world, and we look forward to seeing how she will bring these skills to women’s football.”

About Mauro: “With over 20 years of leadership experience at some of the most renowned Serie A clubs, Mauro’s operational excellence will help us further elevate and professionalise everything we do as a club. We are fortunate to have him and look forward to seeing him work closely with Elena in the years ahead.”

Read the Repubblica report about the Como Women announced change to the top management