The former Manchester United and England footballer has a portfolio of business interests - and is now adding a luxury watch brand to his collection as he continues punditry duties
Gary Neville has taken up a role with Swiss watchmaker Norqain.
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has taken on a new role by joining the board of Swiss watchmaker Norqain as they gear up to launch in the UK.
Neville, who boasts an impressive portfolio of business interests including two hotels in Manchester, a property development company, and his own podcast 'The Overlap', is getting involved with the brand recently founded in 2018 by ex-pro ice hockey player, Mark Streit.
Speaking about the partnership, Neville said: "I've been following Norqain for some time now and really admire the brand's values and innovative, sporty timepieces.
"As a challenger brand in the Swiss watch industry, Norqain is a perfect fit for me, and I'm thrilled to join Ben [Küffer, CEO] and the team as a partner in the business here in the UK and Ireland. We share the same vision and challenger spirit, and I can't wait to get started."
Ben Küffer, CEO of Norqain, reciprocated the excitement, as reported by City AM, saying, "I've played and followed football all my life..
"Gary's leadership and captaincy on the pitch were legendary, and he is not only a fantastic person but also an outstanding entrepreneur. I am very proud and excited to work together with him to elevate the Norqain brand to new heights in the UK and Ireland."
Leading Norqain's UK and Ireland section, which was established last month, will be managing director Martyn Jenkins. Jenkins commented: "I'm incredibly excited to be joining Norqain at such a pivotal moment in its journey.
"The company is redefining the Swiss watch industry with its fearless independence, innovative spirit and deep-rooted values – qualities that truly resonate with me.
"Norqain isn't just another luxury watch brand, it's a movement and a community, challenging the status quo and bringing something fresh to the market.
"It's also a privilege to work alongside Gary Neville, who has successfully reinvested himself as a dynamic entrepreneur after his legendary football career. His passion and business acumen bring an exciting dimension to Norqain's growth in the UK and Ireland."
In January, City AM reported on how growth in the US contributed to a surge in both sales and profit at Miroma, the parent company of Neville's The Overlap series.
The marketing agency, which also holds a majority stake in Neville's production company, Buzz 16, reported a revenue of £275.6m for the 12 months to 30 June, 2024. It also saw its pre-tax profit leap from £1.3m to £6.5m over the same period.
However, it was also disclosed in the same month that The Stock Exchange Hotel in Manchester city centre, co-owned by Neville and his ex-United teammate Ryan Giggs, fell further into the red following the closure of Tom Kerridge's restaurant.
Despite the publicity garnered when Madonna booked out the entire property during her performance in the city, the hotel reported declining sales.
Despite achieving a record year during its latest financial period, Hotel Football, which is also co-owned by the pair, remains in the red.
However, despite the ongoing losses at his two hotels, Neville has found success with his St Michael's development in Manchester city centre.