Gauthier Ganaye has thanked former Barnsley owner Patrick Cryne and the club’s fans as he leaves his role of chief executive.
The 31-year-old Frenchman, who joined in 2017 and oversaw a relegation in his first season, now leaves for OGC Nice with the Reds third in League One.
His final day was yesterday and he will be replaced initially by co-chairman Paul Conway who is also searching for a long-term new chief executive. Nice are in the French top flight and owned by Chien Lee who is also the Barnsley owner.
Ganaye was brought to the club by previous owner Cryne. He told the Chronicle: “I can’t say how much I am grateful to Patrick for giving me this opportunity – being French, being young and not having done this type of work before. He believed in me and I think about it a lot of the time. Barnsley will always be special for me.”
Ganaye says he will remain involved with the Reds ‘in some capacity’. He added: “I will be in contact with the owner of Barnsley FC on a daily basis because he is also the Nice owner. I will be there if they need any advice regarding Barnsley.”
Nice are currently seventh in Ligue 1, with France and Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira as head coach. Ganaye: “It’s a top club in France. They have really good facilities and a head coach who is well-known all over the world.”
Ganaye said there could be transfers between the two clubs. He said: “It might be easier for there to be links between the clubs because of me but it has to be in the interests of both clubs. Players moving between the clubs could happen but we will see.”
Ganaye believes he has a good relationship with the Barnsley fans. He said: “I have really enjoyed it since the beginning. We have had highs and lows but I learned a lot. I am very grateful to everyone who has welcomed me. I feel it is my club so it feels weird to leave.
“In the past 20 months I have had more to deal with than you might have in five years. We have improved the way we have communicated, our brand is stronger and the main thing is we have more assets in the playing squad with a lot of young good players on long contracts. We are in a good financial position.
“I have been really touched by the messages I have received from the fans. It hasn’t always been an easy relationship but in any relationship you need to get to know each other and we have done that now.”
