NEW YORK (AP) — Matt Crocker quit as sporting director of the U.S. Soccer Federation on Tuesday, just two months ahead of the World Cup, to take a new job in Saudi Arabia.
The USSF said Crocker was leaving to pursue an unidentified international soccer opportunity, and a person familiar with the decision, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because Crocker's new job was not announced, said he will work in Saudi Arabia. His hiring by Saudis was first reported by Fox.
Crocker's departure was a surprise, given the U.S. is co-host of the World Cup starting June 11 and the contract of men’s coach Mauricio Pochettino ends after the tournament. The USSF next month will open its 200-acre, 17-field training center and office complex in Fayetteville, Georgia, an Atlanta suburb.
Dan Helfrich, hired as the U.S. federation's chief operating officer in November, “will provide executive oversight and support across the federation’s sporting operations,” the USSF said in a statement. Helfrich will work with assistant sporting director Oguchi Onyewu — a former national team defender — and Tracey Kevins, head of development for the women’s youth national team.
Crocker, 51, was hired by the USSF in April 2023 after serving as Southampton's director of football since February 2020.
Crocker oversaw the decisions to rehire Gregg Berhalter as men's coach in June 2023, to fire Berhalter in July 2024 after first-round elimination at the Copa America and to hire Pochettino that September.
He also made the recommendation to hire Emma Hayes as women's national team coach starting in the spring of 2024. Hayes led the women's team to the Olympic gold medal.
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
FILE - U.S. Soccer Federation sporting director Matt Crocker atteneds the international friendly soccer match between the United States and New Zealand, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean, File)
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 14, 2026--
Barclays Research today announced the appointment of Sahana Athreya as Global Head of Data Science & Applied AI, based in New York.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260414065778/en/
In this role, Athreya will lead the firm’s data science, artificial intelligence and advanced analytics agenda across Research, as global investor demand for data‑driven analysis grows.
Athreya will work closely with analysts, strategists and technology teams to embed alternative data and AI across the Research platform, scaling insights and delivering AI‑enabled tools and data products for clients. The Global Data Science and Applied AI team will continue to publish differentiated Research reports for clients, complementing Barclays Research’s fundamental, macro and thematic coverage. They will also share their insights on how data and AI can be applied in the investment process, helping clients to evolve their own frameworks.
Prior to joining Barclays, Athreya led data science and advanced machine learning initiatives at some of the world’s leading hedge funds, including Eisler Capital and Millennium Management. Her work at the intersection of data science, artificial intelligence and quantamental investing has earned broad industry recognition. In 2022, Athreya was named a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree in the Finance category. She has received multiple additional honors for leadership and innovation, including the CBIZ Women Transforming Business Emerging Leadership Award, Data Science Professional of the Year, and recognition from the Economic Club of New York’s Innovation and Social Impact Challenge.
Commenting on Athreya’s appointment, Brad Rogoff, Global Head of Research at Barclays, said:
“Sahana brings a rare blend of deep technical expertise and real‑world market experience. Her appointment reinforces our long-standing commitment to data science and now AI as core pillars of our Research franchise, and to delivering differentiated, world‑class insights for clients globally.”
About Barclays
Our vision is to be the UK-centred leader in global finance. We are a diversified bank with comprehensive UK consumer, corporate and wealth and private banking franchises, a leading investment bank and a strong, specialist US consumer bank. Through these five divisions, we are working together for a better financial future for our customers, clients and communities. For further information about Barclays, please visit our website home.barclays.
Sahana Athreya headshot
