Menno Geelen, the current general director of Ajax, has been a key figure in Dutch football for many years. He has been working at Ajax since 2010 and has held various positions, including commercial director. In March 2025, he was appointed as the general director of Ajax, a position he still holds today. Geelen's experience and knowledge make him a valuable addition to the EFC Board.
According to Ajax, the EFC Board is the highest decision-making body in European club football. It consists of representatives from European clubs and independent experts. For Dutch football, having a voice in this board is of great importance. Geelen's appointment is seen as a positive development for the Netherlands, as he will be able to represent the country's interests in European club football.
Geelen takes over from Dennis te Kloese, who had to step down after leaving the board of Feyenoord. Te Kloese was a member of the EFC Board from 2023 to 2026. Geelen's appointment is a significant development for the EFC Board, and he is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of European club football.
The KNVB and Eredivisie have expressed their support for Geelen's appointment, and it is clear that he will be a valuable asset to the EFC Board. As the general director of Ajax, Geelen has already shown his commitment to the club and its interests. His appointment to the EFC Board is a testament to his expertise and experience in the field of European club football.
Geelen was previously elected to the UEFA Club Competitions Committee, where he advised on topics such as competition setup, revenue distribution, access criteria, lottery procedures, and the allocation of European finals.