Martim Mayer is making bold moves for Benfica’s future. As a presidential candidate, he just named Tiago Bianchi to a crucial role. Bianchi is set to become Vice-President for the club’s diverse multi-sport sections. This appointment signals a fresh, focused approach to managing Benfica’s wide array of sports.
The candidacy statement highlights Bianchi’s impressive background. He brings extensive experience in both management and finance. This makes him key to a twofold mission. He will work to reduce the very high costs associated with Benfica’s multi-sport operations. At the same time, he is tasked with ensuring continued sporting success across the board.
Bianchi’s professional journey offers a unique blend of skills. He holds an Economics degree from Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics. He also earned a master’s in Political Science from Universidade Católica Portuguesa. For a decade, he served as Pedagogical Director at Colégio de São Tomás. His efforts helped it become one of Portugal’s most prestigious educational institutions. Before that, he built a 13-year career in major international banks. His work spanned investment banking and financial markets. He notably served as Vice-President at Deutsche Bank. He also held roles at ABN AMRO Bank and Citibank.
Martim Mayer explained his choice, emphasizing Benfica’s unique identity. The club’s “eclecticism” is a core principle, he stated. However, he observed recent trends in main indoor sports, especially men’s teams. He noted that unparalleled budgets have not always led to expected results. Mayer made it clear that excessive spending does not automatically equal success. He picked Tiago Bianchi to address these issues. Mayer aims for a stronger youth development base for senior teams. He also demands a complete overhaul of the multi-sport budget. Bianchi’s profile perfectly combines these two critical needs. He will work closely with a General Director. This director will manage daily operations with leaders from all multi-sport areas. This includes men’s, women’s, indoor sports, and the Olympic project.
Bianchi, a Benfica member since 1979, revealed his personal motivations. He cited three main reasons for accepting Mayer’s invitation. First, he acts for Benfica itself. He feels the club’s passion runs deep in every member. This role offers him a chance to use his management expertise. He wants to give back to the club out of deep gratitude and duty. Second, he joins because of Martim Mayer. Bianchi trusts Mayer’s leadership and strong ethical standards. He believes these qualities will guide Benfica to great victories, marked by decency and humility. Finally, he sees this as a contribution to sport more broadly. It’s an opportunity to benefit the city, the country, and the world. Bianchi firmly believes that multi-sport sections are not a financial burden. Instead, he said, they are “part of Benfica’s essence and identity: there is no Benfica without its multi-sport sections.”