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After 18 seasons (2007-2026) as a director and co-owner of QPR, Amit Bhatia has agreed to transfer his ownership in the club to majority owner Ruben Gnanalingam and will be stepping down from the board.
Bhatia joined the club in 2007 and initially served as vice-chairman before being named chairman in 2018, a role he held until 2023.
Bhatia also had a passion for QPR’s strong community work and was chairman of the club’s charitable arm, QPR in the Community Trust, between 2009 and 2016.
Bhatia said: “Since joining the club in 2007, QPR has been a deeply important part of my life, and of my family’s life. Over nearly two decades we have shared promotions, relegations, unforgettable highs and painful lows, and the memories we have made at Loftus Road alongside the supporters will stay with us forever.
“Being part of QPR has shaped me in many ways. It has taught me about resilience, responsibility and the importance of stewardship. I am especially proud of the work of QPR in the Community Trust, which reflects the best of the club and the extraordinary role it plays in the local community.
“I step back from my formal responsibilities with pride, gratitude and affection. I want to thank the players, managers, staff, the Community Trust, my fellow board members and, above all, the fans, who have made me and my family feel part of the QPR family for so many years.
“I am grateful to my dear friend Ruben and his family for their friendship and partnership, as I am to Richard, Lee, Christian and everyone continuing to work on behalf of the club. QPR will always have a very special place in my heart.”
Gnanalingam, who joined the club’s board in 2011, said: “Amit was there when Tony (Fernandes) and I came in, and has always been a great friend throughout.
“We have shared many memorable moments together, and I will always be grateful for everything he has contributed.
“His presence will definitely be missed at the board level, but he knows he and his family are welcome back as fans anytime they want, and we very much look forward to seeing them at games in the future.”
Richard Reilly, who joined the board in 2022, added: “It has been a privilege to serve on the QPR board alongside Amit.
“Throughout that time, Amit has shown his professionalism, integrity and unwavering commitment to Queens Park Rangers.
“He has approached every challenge with thoughtfulness and a genuine desire to move the club forward.
“He has been a valued colleague whose insight, dedication and collaborative spirit have made a lasting impact, both in the boardroom and across the club.
“It has been an honour and privilege to work alongside him.”
Chairman of the club and interim CEO of QPR in the Community Trust Lee Hoos said: “It was an incredible honour taking over as chairman of the club after Amit.
“He is a true gentleman in the game and helped make the QPR board one of the best I have ever worked with.
“His sense of humour, kindness and sage advice will be sorely missed. A true believer in the power of football to effect social good, his time as chair of the Community Trust provides us with an incredible legacy of community impact.”
QPR CEO Christian Nourry said: “It has been an immense pleasure to get to know Amit over the last three years and I have learnt a great deal from him – about QPR, about business and about his experiences in building great cultures.
“We are fortunate as a club to know that whilst his participation ends, his support of this club will long continue.”
