SANTA CLARA, Calif. (Diya TV) — The San Francisco 49ers will move forward without one of the franchise’s most influential executives. Paraag Marathe, the team’s executive vice president of football operations and president of 49ers Enterprises, is leaving after 25 years with the organization. Instead, he will focus full-time on his leadership roles with Leeds United and Rangers FC, along with other sports ventures.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported the move. According to the report, the decision had been under discussion for some time before becoming official. Marathe currently serves as chairman of Leeds United and vice chairman of Rangers FC. He oversees both clubs’ business and sporting operations as the 49ers continue expanding their global sports investments.
Marathe leaves behind a remarkable legacy in San Francisco. He joined the 49ers in 2001 as a data analyst. Over the years, he climbed through the organization and became one of the NFL’s most respected front-office executives and one of the first Indian American executives in professional football. His work helped shape the team’s football operations for more than two decades.
Throughout his career, Marathe earned a strong reputation for managing the team’s salary cap. He also led contract negotiations and worked closely with general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan. Together, they built competitive rosters that helped the 49ers remain among the NFL’s top contenders. In addition, Marathe directed the club’s analytics department, which played an important role in football decisions.
His influence reached beyond football operations. From 2010 through 2016, Marathe served as the team’s chief operating officer and president. During that period, he helped plan, develop, and open Levi’s Stadium, which became the franchise’s new home. As a result, his impact extended across both business and football matters.
49ers owner Jed York praised Marathe’s contributions in a message to employees announcing the departure. York said Marathe’s leadership and long-term commitment shaped the organization in lasting ways. Those comments reflected the respect Marathe earned throughout his years with the franchise.
His departure marks a major change for the 49ers’ front office. While Kyle Shanahan remains the organization’s most important football figure, Marathe often worked behind the scenes to solve some of the team’s biggest financial challenges. His ability to balance player contracts with salary cap rules became one of the franchise’s greatest strengths. Therefore, replacing his experience will not be easy.
Still, the organization has already prepared for the transition. Assistant general manager Brian Hampton and vice president of personnel and strategy Kwesi Adofo-Mensah are expected to assume Marathe’s salary cap responsibilities. Both executives have experience in football operations and personnel strategy. Consequently, the 49ers believe they have a plan in place to maintain continuity.
Meanwhile, Marathe will now devote his attention to international soccer. His leadership at Leeds United has drawn significant attention since the club returned to the Premier League. He has also taken on a larger role with Rangers FC, one of Scotland’s most successful football clubs. As the 49ers continue investing in sports around the world, Marathe will help guide those efforts.
Just weeks ago, Marathe briefly emerged as a finalist for the Major League Soccer commissioner position. However, he quickly withdrew his name from consideration. At the time, many believed he planned to remain with the 49ers. Instead, his latest decision confirms that his future will center on soccer and broader business opportunities.
Although Marathe rarely stood in the spotlight, many around the NFL viewed him as one of the league’s smartest executives. His financial planning, contract negotiations, and strategic thinking helped keep the 49ers competitive for years. Moreover, his work often allowed the team to retain key players while staying within league salary rules.
