Sunderland AFC has issued a touching tribute to non-executive director Patrick Treuer who has died aged 52. The club confirmed that Treuer will be « greatly missed » after playing a crucial part in their rise from League One to the Premier League. The announcement came on December 24 when the Louis Dreyfus Company disclosed that its chief financial officer (CFO) had died unexpectedly during the night.
The 52-year-old became part of the Black Cats’ board of directors in 2021, taking over from Angela Lowes as finance director after Kyrell Louis-Dreyfus arrived. Treuer joined as a non-executive director alongside Igor Levin, a legal representative of the Louis-Dreyfus family.
In a statement issued on December 25, Sunderland said: « Sunderland AFC is deeply saddened by the passing of Patrick Treuer. One of the Club’s Non-Executive Directors, Patrick had also held the position of Chief Financial Officer of the Louis Dreyfus Company B.V. since 2014.
« Patrick played an active role in SAFC’s journey from League One to the Premier League and he will be greatly missed. All at SAFC send their heartfelt condolences to Patrick’s family and loved ones at this immensely difficult time. »
Treuer was amongst several non-executives on the Sunderland board, which features Levin as well as Maurice Louis-Dreyfus, Juan Sartori, Simon Vumbaca and Leo Pearlman. In 2022, Louis Dreyfus increased their ownership in Sunderland AFC to 51%, despite interest from cryptocurrency consortium The Fans Together.
This move came a year after the group took over the club, with Treuer joining the board following the acquisition of shares from Charlie Methven and former owner Stewart Donald.
Upon securing their majority stake, they declared: « Today marks an important step as we continue to rebuild Sunderland AFC. Our ownership group has been consolidated and there will be no further sale of shares to a third-party buyer.
« We remain committed to our strategy of delivering long-term success and sustainability and together, alongside our dedicated staff and loyal supporters, I believe we can now move forward as one unified football club. »
Their investment paid off when, within three years, Sunderland made a triumphant return to the Premier League. This followed a playoff final victory over Sheffield United under the leadership of Regis Le Bris.
Currently, the Black Cats are enjoying a stellar season, sitting just two points shy of the Champions League spots in sixth place. Their next match is scheduled for December 28, when they’ll host Leeds United at the Stadium of Light for a 2pm kick-off.
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