Collette Roche

Roche grew up in Lancashire, and attended Lancaster University, graduating from BBA Management with German in 1997.^[3][1] After her studies, she took up a role in employee relations at Ford Motor Company in Dagenham, as part of the company's HR graduate scheme.^[4] In 1999, she moved to Siemens, where she was a HR executive, then in 2002 she became a HR Manager for commercial and international business at United Utilities.^[4][5] After seven years at United Utilities, Roche joined Manchester Airports Group, holding positions as chief of staff and acting managing director.^[3][6][7][8]

In spring 2018, Roche was appointed Chief Operating Officer at Manchester United.^[8][9] and in 2023 was also appointed Chair of the Manchester United Foundation. ^[10] During her career Roche has also held several non-executive board roles including Northern Powerhouse, Manchester Metropolitan University,  JW Lees Brewery^[3][7] and was a founding member of the new UK Board of Trade in 2016.^[1]

In March 2025, Roche was reported as a leading candidate for the chief executive officer position at Newcastle United, highlighting her growing profile within English football management.^[11]

In January 2026, Roche was appointed as Chief Executive Officer, New Stadium Development, at Manchester United. This is a new role in the club, with a focus on the regeneration of Old Trafford. She continues to report to Chief Executive Officer Omar Berrada.^[12][13]

• 2015: Ranked at 31 in Northwest Business Insider Women 100 list.^[14]
• 2017: Listed as one of "100 inspirational women from Greater Manchester" by the Manchester Evening News.^[15]
• 2018: Listed as one of the 25 "most influential women working in Britain" in Vogue.^[16][17]