Chris Heck - President of Business Operations

[Brazilian Villain]

I thought Ellis was the original claret and blue dinosaur?

No, but he did invent the Triassic period.

Doug thought Triassic was someone recommending a new kit supplier.

[algy]

Interview with Heck:.
https://www.crossingbroad.com/2024/07/this-isnt-wrexham-a-q-a-with-former-sixers-president-chris-heck-now-running-business-operations-for-the-premier-leagues-aston-villa.html

[andyh]

Excellent interview.
A good insight to the thought process and reasoning behind some of the things he has done.
There is a ruthlessness about him, and, to be frank, if we want to play with the big boys, the club needs.

I love the fact his first thought was to protect the season ticket ticket holders and then absolutely maximise revenue from those that can afford it, or more importantly, WANT to pay premium prices.

He gets it.
He will make mistakes, or make decisions we don’t like, but it’s with the best of intent, and that’s to make our club successful.

[London Villan]

Sounds like he dips into the social media world…

If you are reading Chris, can you fix the toilets in the Trinity, so there is at least a basic level of hygiene (hot water, clean the stinking troughs and give people the ability to dry their hands). And the fix the queues to by a drink.

Thank you!

[Toronto Villa]

Excellent interview.
A good insight to the thought process and reasoning behind some of the things he has done.
There is a ruthlessness about him, and, to be frank, if we want to play with the big boys, the club needs.

I love the fact his first thought was to protect the season ticket ticket holders and then absolutely maximise revenue from those that can afford it, or more importantly, WANT to pay premium prices.

He gets it.
He will make mistakes, or make decisions we don’t like, but it’s with the best of intent, and that’s to make our club successful.

He gets why he got criticized and accepts it. But he also realized that it comes with the territory and the job. What I won’t do is broad brush criticize what he does based on a few issues that are important but not the total sum of his remit. He’s come here to grow revenues and he has done that and will continue to do that. I’ve referenced the Philadelphia story in the past. He absolutely rubbed people the wrong way, but there is no doubt what he left behind as a “brand” was significantly better than what he found. So it’s a long road for us to catch up with the sides that are almost FFP immune. But if we want to compete for the best players and trophies every season, we need to get there and it won’t always be pretty.

[Ads]

The difference between us and B9 right here:

this isn’t Wrexham. This is the Philadelphia Eagles in a city of a similar size, if there were no Sixers, no Phillies, no Flyers, and no Union. Oh, and no college teams. It’s massive. Absolutely massive

For them, the Dogheads, the Stripey Filth we are the yard stick. The dream. Whereas we as a club, don't consider or think about them at all. They literally do not exist in our owners thinking.

[Dante Lavelli]

Any idea what this refers to?

CB: I’d be remiss if I didn’t ask you about the Sixers arena plan and Comcast sports complex redevelopment. I can tell by the way you’re smiling that you have thoughts on this.
Heck: (laughs) My thoughts are there’s a reason I’m not in Philadelphia anymore. Never, ever, ever underestimate Comcast. I don’t think that was (pauses)… understood by everyone in Philadelphia sports. Listen, it’s not my problem anymore. I wish everybody the best. I love Philly as a sports town, the best. Incredible. I just hope everybody wins. I hope this parade is for all.

[The Edge]

Sounds like he dips into the social media world…

If you are reading Chris, can you fix the toilets in the Trinity, so there is at least a basic level of hygiene (hot water, clean the stinking troughs and give people the ability to dry their hands). And the fix the queues to by a drink.

Thank you!

I'll do my best

Yours sincerely
Chris.

[CT Villan]

Any idea what this refers to?

CB: I’d be remiss if I didn’t ask you about the Sixers arena plan and Comcast sports complex redevelopment. I can tell by the way you’re smiling that you have thoughts on this.
Heck: (laughs) My thoughts are there’s a reason I’m not in Philadelphia anymore. Never, ever, ever underestimate Comcast. I don’t think that was (pauses)… understood by everyone in Philadelphia sports. Listen, it’s not my problem anymore. I wish everybody the best. I love Philly as a sports town, the best. Incredible. I just hope everybody wins. I hope this parade is for all.

These may help explain it a little...
https://whyy.org/articles/south-philly-sports-complex-comcast-spectacor-master-plan/
https://www.phillyvoice.com/phillies-sports-complex-development-comcast-spectacor-south-philly/

[Nii Lamptey]

Sounds like he dips into the social media world…

If you are reading Chris, can you fix the toilets in the Trinity, so there is at least a basic level of hygiene (hot water, clean the stinking troughs and give people the ability to dry their hands). And the fix the queues to by a drink.

Thank you!

I'd like to see those stainless steel urinals ripped out and replaced with the classic porcelain urinals that you see at other grounds/pubs.

WAY less splashback (*and not just your own splashback) - Feckin horrible, especially if you're wearing shorts!

[pablo_picasso]

I have given this guy a lot of stick & I firmly believe that it has all been justified, however, I have just come across this graphic that shows that he, along with his predecessor, the manager & the players putting us up in Champions League heights, deserve a lot of praise for making Aston Villa Football Club the third fastest growing brand in Europe between 2021 -2024.



That is absolutely fantastic news, so well done to everybody involved, including Chris Heck.

[Somniloquism]

What did AC Milan do this since 2021 to get the growth? I can understand Leverkusen.

[PeterWithesShin]

It's 2021-2024, i'd expect a few years in the PL rather than having just spent a few years in the second tier to significantly increase the value.

[Tuscans]

What did AC Milan do this since 2021 to get the growth? I can understand Leverkusen.

https://brandfinance.com/insights/ac-milan-brand-identity-at-the-centre-of-growth

[Tuscans]

Aston Villa is delighted to announce JD as the club's new Official Retail Partner.

The international sportswear retailer has signed a multi-year agreement to stock official Aston Villa products online and in select stores nationwide. This marks the beginning of a dynamic collaboration aimed at enhancing the fan experience, delivering a diverse range of Aston Villa products and expanding the club’s retail footprint.

This partnership will not only secure an increased retail reach but will also increase the club's ability to meet demand for official products.

Aston Villa x JD
Chris Heck, President of Business Operations, said: "This partnership with JD, a leading global sport and fashion retailer, is going to make a big difference to the way we approach our retail operation.

"Their international reach, alongside their huge presence in the UK, will allow us to showcase our retail offering on a world-wide scale alongside our revamped store at Villa Park.”

Commenting on the partnership, JD Global Managing Director Michael Armstrong added: “Aston Villa is an historic club and a brilliant addition to our growing presence in the English topflight of football.

“Our partnership will allow JD to further improve the consumer experience for Villa fans and those in the area.”

To celebrate the new partnership between JD and Aston Villa, JD has put together a short cinematic film which draws together the playfulness of youth today and the future of Aston Villa.

Official Aston Villa kit and clothing will be available both instore and online at www.jdsports.com