Sources: Atlético Ottawa to announce Juan Miguel Vega Francis as next CEO

Mexican football executive Juan Miguel Vega Francis is slated to be announced as the next CEO and general manager for Atlético Ottawa, multiple sources told The Wanderers Notebook on Wednesday. The appointment has yet to be confirmed by the club but sources said Francis has already begun work.

Francis, 33, is a former player, having come up through the Mexican football ranks, most notably suiting up in Club Puebla's system for several seasons. From there, he switched gears, earning a degree in business administration from Universidad del Valle de México before re-joining Club Puebla as a staff member. From 2016 onward, Francis held several roles within the club, having been promoted to a director role in 2020. He also holds a CONCACAF coaching D-license.

Francis' appointment is suspected to be announced in the coming weeks. He joins after former Atlético Ottawa CEO Fernando López stepped away to accept a position as general manager for Real Zaragoza in Spain mid-season.

Francis will inherit a squad with a lot of talent but also several questions marks. Following last year's recruitment, star players like Manny Aparicio, Ballou Tabla and Kris Twardek remained signed through 2025. They're joined by budding talent Tyr Walker, veteran Abou Sissoko and goalkeeping stalwart Nathan Ingham. However, it remains to be seen if players on options like Sam Salter or Amer Didic will return. Several others, like Alberto Zapater and Ruben del Campo, are out of contract. And Ollie Bassett — one of the long standing faces of the club — announced his departure last week.

Cover Photo Credit: Macron