Lola Ogunbote joins Chelsea Women as Head of Football Operations

Lola Ogunbote, a Nigerian-born football executive, has joined Chelsea FC Women as the new Head of Football Operations and Player Services. Ogunbote transitions to the London club following a nearly five-year tenure at Burnley, where she served as the club’s first Head of Women’s Football starting in 2021.

During her time at Burnley, Ogunbote oversaw recruitment, player development, and performance structures, contributing to the women’s team winning the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division title and securing promotion. At Chelsea, her responsibilities include coordinating pre-season programs and managing logistics for Women's Super League matches at Stamford Bridge and Champions League fixtures at AFC Wimbledon.

Ogunbote, a former UK-qualified lawyer, also serves as an executive director for the US-based organization Goals for Girls, which focuses on leadership opportunities for girls through football. She was recently recognized on the 2024 Football Black List in the administration category.