Marine FC is delighted to announce the appointment of Alf Mangor Johannessen as a Non-Executive Director, alongside a significant commercial partnership with his company, AMJ Gruppen – one of Norway’s leading hospitality and restaurant groups.
Marine FC has confirmed the appointment of Alf Mangor Johannessen to its Board of Directors, marking the Club’s first international board appointment and another important milestone in its continued development off the pitch.
Alf Mangor was introduced to Marine by friends Bjørn Tungevåg and Øyvind Stang, who have been regular visitors to Marine Travel Arena over recent seasons. Impressed by what he experienced during his visit to the Club, Johannessen chose to formalise his involvement as Marine enters one of the most exciting periods in its history.
The AMJ Group owns and operates several acclaimed Norwegian restaurant concepts in Bodø, Tromsø and Oslo, including Bryggerikaia Restaurant , Helmersen dely & wine bar ,Trattoria Polare and Taverna`n Built around a passion for premium Norwegian seafood and exceptional dining experiences, the Group has become a recognised hospitality operator in Norway. In addition, AMJ holds the franchise rights to leading international brands including Burger King, Peppes Pizza and Sabi Sushi across Norway. His appointment as Non-Executive Director brings international perspective and significant commercial experience to the Marine FC Board, while the commercial partnership represents an important investment in the Club’s continued development as a National League North club.
Marine FC Chief Executive James Leary said:
“Welcoming Alf Mangor to the board is a really exciting step forward. He has built an outstanding business over more than 25 years and brings exactly the kind of entrepreneurial experience that will help us grow. On a personal level, it has been great to get to know Alf Mangor since he visited Liverpool on a football weekend almost 12 months ago. He has a fondness for Marine and a real desire to help develop the football club further going forward. His commercial support will help us to solidify financially in what has been a really difficult climate. I know all Mariners will join me in welcoming Alf Mangor to the club.”
Both Marine FC and AMJ Gruppen see this as the beginning of a new relationship founded on shared values, long-term thinking and sustainable development. While the initial focus is on supporting Marine FC’s continued growth, both parties recognise the potential to strengthen relationships between Merseyside and Northern Norway through football, tourism, business and commercial collaboration as the partnership develops.
Alf Mangor Johannessen said:
“When I first visited Marine, I immediately sensed that this club is about much more than football. It is built on passionate people, strong values and a genuine connection with its local community. Those are qualities I recognise and value in business.
Throughout my career I have believed in long-term thinking, strong partnerships and sustainable growth. I look forward to contributing my experience and supporting Marine FC as the Club continues its exciting journey.
I believe the strongest partnerships are built over time. We will take one step at a time, get to know each other better and explore the opportunities this relationship may create for both Marine FC and AMJ Gruppen.
It is an honour for me to join the Board of Marine FC, and for AMJ Gruppen to become part of the Marine family. I look forward to contributing to the Club’s continued development and to building a relationship that creates lasting value for both organisations.”
The commercial partnership includes prominent AMJ Gruppen branding throughout Marine Travel Arena, with the company’s presence visible across the stadium on matchdays and beyond.
Marine FC remains a fan-owned club with deep community roots and a growing national and international profile. The Club captured global attention through its FA Cup Third Round tie against Tottenham Hotspur in 2021 – the most watched non-league match in history, and has since achieved back-to-back promotions to reach the National League North, the sixth tier of English football. That profile has continued to grow with the ongoing involvement of two-time Champions League winner and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher as an advisor to the Club.
Velkommen til Marine!
About Our New Partner
Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Bodø, Northern Norway, AMJGruppen.no is one of Norway’s leading hospitality groups. The company operates approximately 40 restaurants across multiple concepts and holds international brands as Burger King, Peppes Pizza and Sabi Sushi throughout Norway. Alongside its franchise operations, the Group has developed a diverse portfolio of proprietary hospitality concepts and continues to invest in restaurants, property and business development. AMJ Gruppen is also a long-standing principal sponsor of FK Bodø/Glimt, one of Northern Europe’s leading football clubs. The Group provides hospitality and catering services for the Club’s home matches and has extensive experience delivering services for major UEFA fixtures, including both UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League matches.