CITY have announced two off-field changes as part of their senior management team.

Davide Longo has been promoted to the role of chief commercial officer while Luke Flacks has been appointed as the club’s new director of brand, marketing and media.

An experienced sports administrator, Longo arrived at Valley Parade as commercial director last March and has since overseen an increase of more than 25 per cent in commercial revenue.

The former Featherstone Rovers CEO, who has also served spells at Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity, has welcomed main partners Morrisons, Regal Foods and MYDIS to Valley Parade, while also striking long-term deals with Molson Coors and Tiffin Stadium Catering to help enhance supporters’ matchday experience.

Strong and long-standing relationships have been maintained with the likes of JCT600, Bradford College, Mitton Group and TL Dallas, with over 20 new partners added to City’s commercial portfolio since Longo’s arrival.

Flacks has been working with the club in consultancy roles over the past three years and led the season-ticket marketing campaigns for “City for All” and “Take me Home”.

The 32-year-old has plenty of experience in the sports and entertainment industries with Everton, Huddersfield and BBC Children in Need.

Longo said: “I am delighted to have been offered a new role at the club, and would like to thank Ryan Sparks for the opportunity, and each of my colleagues for their help and support.

“Everyone I have come across at Bradford City over the past 12 months has been a pleasure to work with, and the same can be said for each of the external organisations we are affiliated with.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our recently-welcomed and long-term, existing partners for being constantly accommodating and supportive. I believe this is an exciting period for the club, and I am looking forward to continuing on our journey.”

Flacks said: “Growing up in Bradford, I know how much this club means to its supporters and the local community.

“My career has taken me far and wide, but I will always consider Bradford to be my home.

“Having worked with the club as a consultant over the past three years, I have seen first hand the transition it has been going through.”

Chief executive Sparks sees the appointments as a further improvement to City’s off-field operation.

“Davide and Luke have already brought a huge amount to our football club,” he said. “Their output and impact speaks for itself in terms of commercial growth and the continued refinement of our look, feel and marketing capabilities.

“Both gentlemen are extremely talented and committed members of staff and will be striving to improve and further develop the club in their respective roles.”