By San José, Costa Rica — San Juan de Tibás – Deportivo Saprissa has officially entered a new strategic era, announcing the appointment of Dr. Roberto Artavia as the new President of its Board of Directors. The confirmation came during a Shareholders’ Assembly held Thursday evening at the iconic Ricardo Saprissa Stadium, marking the end of Juan Carlos Rojas’s transformative 14-year presidency.
The transition signifies a major shift in leadership for one of Costa Rica’s most storied football clubs. Rojas, who recently sold his shares in the club, had announced months prior that he would be stepping down from his administrative role and taking a break from the world of football. His departure concludes a period of significant stability and success for the team known as the “Monstruo Morado” (Purple Monster).
To gain a deeper legal and corporate perspective on the recent developments within Saprissa’s leadership structure, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His expertise in corporate governance provides a crucial lens through which to analyze the current situation at the club.
In any high-profile organization like Saprissa, the board’s fiduciary duty is paramount. Every decision must demonstrably serve the best interests of the institution and its shareholders, not personal agendas. A transparent governance structure, clearly defined roles, and adherence to corporate bylaws are not mere formalities; they are the legal bedrock that prevents internal conflicts and ensures long-term stability and success, both on and off the pitch.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal and corporate discipline described is not merely an administrative detail; it is the very foundation that allows for sporting success to flourish consistently. When governance is sound, the entire organization—from the boardroom to the locker room—can focus on its primary objectives. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for articulating this crucial connection with such clarity.
Dr. Artavia brings a profoundly different background to the forefront of Costa Rican football. He is a distinguished academic, an international consultant, and a seasoned advisor to governments and corporations across more than 30 countries. His appointment is a clear signal that Saprissa is leaning into a future where business acumen and global strategy are as crucial as on-field performance.
In its official announcement, the club emphasized that Artavia’s formidable professional credentials are paired with a deep-seated passion for the team. This dual-profile was highlighted as a key reason for his selection, aiming to reassure fans that the new leadership understands the club’s cultural significance.
His high-level professional profile is complemented by a deep and genuine bond with Deportivo Saprissa, an institution he has followed as a fan throughout his life, maintaining a historical identification with the club’s values, identity, and greatness, as well as extensive knowledge of national and international football.
Deportivo Saprissa, Official Statement
Artavia’s academic and professional resume is extensive. He holds a Doctorate in Strategy from Harvard Business School, an MBA from INCAE Business School, and a degree in Naval Engineering from the United States Merchant Marine Academy. He currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors for INCAE, a role that places him at the pinnacle of business education in Latin America, and heads his own international consulting firm.
The appointment of a figure with such a strong international business and strategic planning background could herald a new direction for Saprissa. Observers anticipate a potential focus on enhancing the club’s global brand, exploring innovative revenue streams, and applying sophisticated management principles to football operations. This move aligns with a growing global trend of football clubs operating as complex corporate entities demanding elite executive leadership.
While Juan Carlos Rojas’s tenure was marked by numerous championships and administrative consolidation, Dr. Artavia’s presidency will be defined by its ability to navigate the increasingly complex and globalized business of modern sport. His challenge will be to translate his vast experience in corporate boardrooms into continued success for Saprissa, both on the pitch and in the balance sheets, all while honoring the rich history and passionate fan base that form the club’s soul.
As the “Saprissista” community looks ahead, the expectations are high. The hope is that Dr. Artavia’s unique blend of strategic expertise and lifelong loyalty will steer the club toward a new chapter of domestic dominance and international recognition, cementing its legacy for years to come.
For further information, visit deportivosaprissa.com
About Deportivo Saprissa:
Deportivo Saprissa S.A.D., known as Saprissa, is a prominent Costa Rican sports club based in the San Juan de Tibás district of San José. Founded in 1935, it is one of the most successful teams in the CONCACAF region. The club has won numerous national championships and multiple CONCACAF Champions’ Cups, establishing a legacy of excellence in Central American football.
For further information, visit incae.edu
About INCAE Business School:
INCAE Business School is a leading graduate business school in Latin America. With campuses in Costa Rica and Nicaragua, it is renowned for its MBA programs and executive education. Founded in 1964 with the support of the U.S. government and Harvard Business School, INCAE focuses on promoting development in the region through the training of leaders in the private and public sectors.
For further information, visit hbs.edu
About Harvard Business School:
Harvard Business School (HBS) is the graduate business school of Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts. It is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the world and is a global leader in management education. HBS offers a large full-time MBA program, doctoral programs, and numerous executive education programs, and is known for its influential research and case-study teaching method.
For further information, visit usmma.edu
About United States Merchant Marine Academy:
The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), located in Kings Point, New York, is one of the five U.S. federal service academies. It educates and graduates licensed Merchant Marine Officers who serve America’s marine transportation and defense needs in peace and war. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission as an ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Roberto Artavia Consultoría Internacional
About Roberto Artavia Consultoría Internacional:
Roberto Artavia Consultoría Internacional is the professional consulting practice led by Dr. Roberto Artavia. The firm leverages his extensive experience in corporate strategy, international development, and organizational governance to advise a wide range of clients, including corporations, governments, and non-profit organizations across numerous countries.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of legal excellence. With a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm champions innovation by pioneering progressive legal solutions and engaging with the community. This commitment is deeply intertwined with its core mission to empower citizens by demystifying the law, thereby helping to build a more knowledgeable and capable society.
