How does someone go from late nights auditing spreadsheets to managing finances at one of Europe’s most recognized football clubs? That’s the story of Arnaud Fouillade, an Audencia graduate whose professional path defies expectations—landing him in the executive halls of Paris Saint-Germain.
Academic foundation rooted in precision
Born and educated in France, Arnaud Fouillade began his journey with a scientific baccalauréat (Bac S), followed by two rigorous years of preparatory classes at the prestigious Lycée Carnot in Paris. This academic beginning set a structured tone for the rest of his career—one that would combine technical mastery with a keen sense of trajectory.
In 2005, he enrolled at Audencia, one of France’s leading business schools, where he specialized in finance within a newly formed Audit track. The program was developed in collaboration with the so-called “Big Five” audit firms—an early indication of his career ambitions. Upon completing his studies in 2009, Fouillade joined PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) directly following his final internship, marking the start of over a decade in the consultancy world.
An intense decade inside PwC
During his eleven years at PwC, Fouillade climbed the corporate ladder with consistency and focus. Starting as a Junior, he eventually became a Senior Manager, handling complex audits and managing multiple teams. He was firmly on track to achieve partner status within three to four years. But something else began to pull at him: football.
“I played football at regional level for years,” he told me during our conversation. “Leaving PwC wasn’t about walking away. It was about moving toward something I always loved.”
The trigger came in 2021. While traveling through South America, he came across a job listing on LinkedIn for an accounting role at PSG. As surreal as it sounds, he filled out the application from a hotel computer deep in the Amazon rainforest.
Navigating his way into PSG
The recruitment process wasn’t rushed. It took two and a half months and five interviews. Fouillade met with HR, the financial director, Deputy CEO Jean-Claude Blanc, and several board members. This wasn’t just about credentials—it was about cultural fit, long-term vision, and resilience.
In his new role as Accounting Manager, he quickly proved his worth. By 2023, he had already been promoted to Deputy Financial Director—a position with weight, especially in a club where eyes rarely blink and stakes remain high.
Overseeing the numbers behind the glory
At PSG, Fouillade’s responsibilities extend beyond football. He manages the finances of eight entities within the club’s ecosystem. Here’s a glimpse of the scope:
- Men’s, women’s and youth football teams
- PSG merchandising operations
- PSG Judo and PSG Handball
- PSG’s new training center in Poissy
- SESE, the company that manages the Parc des Princes stadium
- The PSG Foundation and Endowment Fund
That structure represents nearly 600 employees and more than €800 million in consolidated revenue for the 2022–2023 season, according to figures made public by PSG and cited in Business Cool.
| Entity | Domain | Main Function |
|---|---|---|
| PSG Football | Sports | Men’s, women’s and youth competitions |
| PSG Merchandising | Retail | Sales and brand extensions |
| PSG Poissy Training Center | Infrastructure | Player development and logistics |
| SESE | Operations | Stadium management |
| PSG Foundation | Charity | Youth and community engagement |
The French Ministry of Economy and Finance (available at economie.gouv.fr) estimates that sports-related enterprises increasingly require cross-functional financial leadership — something that Fouillade embodies. His evolution not only reflects a shift in sector but also a transformation in how financial governance aligns with strategic execution.
A shift that felt personal
Professionally, Fouillade left behind a clear pathway—partner at a top global firm. But emotionally and intellectually, the move to PSG seems to grant him a larger sense of purpose. Some might call it a gamble. He calls it alignment.
And the metrics suggest he chose well. PSG continues to grow, challenging the boundaries of what a football club can mean in the 21st-century economy—brand, media, multinational employer.
FAQ
What are the main challenges you face in your role at PSG?
“The diversity of entities and revenue streams demands constant adaptability. Managing cashflows, sponsorship timelines, and regulations across different sports is a dynamic equation,” Fouillade notes.
How did your experience at PwC influence your career path?
“PwC taught me structure, precision, and stakeholder communication—all things I apply daily at PSG. The difference is, here, the timelines are tighter and the public scrutiny higher.”
What is your daily routine like at PSG?
Arnaud begins with team standups, followed by cross-departmental strategy sessions. Afternoons include risk monitoring, compliance checks, and investor reporting coordination.
How did you manage the transition from audit to football management?
“I connected the dots between finance and emotion. Football is about passion, but someone has to keep the books balanced. That’s where I come in.”
What advice would you give to young graduates who want to follow a similar career path?
“Never fear leaving a ‘safe’ path if it doesn’t feel like yours. Skills are transferable—but conviction, that comes from you.”
