Christopher Sarofim joins Everton board as part of Friedkin Group era

Christopher Sarofim, a veteran American investor and minority stakeholder in the NFL’s Houston Texans, has joined Everton as a Board Observer following the Friedkin Group’s acquisition of the club. His appointment comes through Roundhouse Capital Holdings, one of the Friedkin Group’s affiliated investment vehicles.

Sarofim is chairman of Fayez Sarofim & Co., a global asset management firm with a long-standing reputation in capital markets. He previously worked as an analyst at Goldman Sachs and has more than four decades of experience in finance. His role at Everton reflects the Friedkin Group’s goal of building a stable, internationally focused ownership model by bringing in experienced minority investors with deep financial backgrounds.

Part of a growing American presence in English football

Everton’s boardroom now joins a broader trend of American involvement in English football. Sarofim follows other high-profile U.S. investors such as Tom Brady (Birmingham City) and Will Ferrell (Leeds United), each playing a role in expanding their clubs’ international reach. Everton are aiming for a similar effect, especially as they prepare for a major commercial shift with their move to the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.

Speaking after his appointment, Sarofim said:

“I’m honoured to join the ownership group of Everton, a historic sporting institution with an incredibly exciting future. I’ve known and admired the Friedkin family for many years and I look forward to working with Marc Watts, the Friedkin Group and everyone at Everton to help the club realise its full potential on and off the pitch.”

Dan Friedkin, chairman and CEO of The Friedkin Group, welcomed Sarofim’s arrival:

“Christopher is someone I’ve known and respected for a long time. He brings tremendous experience, sound judgement and insight that will prove invaluable as we continue progressing Everton in all aspects.”

Timing and context

Sarofim joins Everton during a major restructuring. The club has appointed David Moyes as manager and Angus Kinnear as CEO. Sporting director Kevin Thelwell is expected to leave during the summer as part of the leadership overhaul. In parallel, the move from Goodison Park to Bramley-Moore Dock remains on track — a shift that will have major implications for Everton’s commercial strategy and global positioning.

A strategic addition

Internally, Sarofim is viewed as a key contributor to Everton’s long-term direction. His background in fund management and sports ownership — particularly with the Houston Texans — gives him a profile well suited to guiding financial and operational strategy within a modern football organisation. The club’s ambition is to create a more sustainable and globally engaged structure, and Sarofim’s involvement is seen as a meaningful step toward that goal.