Tan Kesler (born 14 May 1979) is a Turkish businessman and football executive who is the current vice-chairman and CEO of Ekstraklasa club Pogoń Szczecin. He previously worked as the vice-chairman of EFL Championship club Hull City.[1][2]
Early life
Kesler was born on 14 May 1979 in Adana, Turkey. He is the son of former Turkish international footballer and coach Şevket Kesler[tr]. He earned a BA in International Business and Finance at Kean University.[1] During his time there, Kesler would feature for the university's basketball team.[3] He would later earn an MA in Sports Business at New York University.[1]
Career
Kesler is a former FIFA-licensed agent and was the president of HTK Sports & Media from 2017 until 2022.[2][4] He also previously worked for the Turkish Football Federation.[2]
In January 2022, Kesler was an important figure in the acquisition of Hull City for businessman Acun Ilıcalı and his company Acun Medya.[2][5] After the takeover was completed, he was appointed vice-chairman of the club by Ilıcalı.[6] In order to dedicate himself to the role, Kesler waived all his other ongoing sports and media consultancy duties.[7]
Kesler was also influential for Acun Medya in their acquisition of Shelbourne in July 2023,[8] although their ownership of the Irish club would only last four months.[9] On 7 June 2024, it was announced that Kesler had been admitted to the EFL Board as a representative of the EFL Championship.[10] On 17 October 2024, Kesler left Hull by mutual consent.[11]
