49ers VP Paraag Marathe exits to focus on soccer clubs

San Francisco 49ers executive vice president of football operations Paraag Marathe is leaving the team to focus full time on Leeds United and Rangers FC as well as other sports efforts.

Team owner Jed York sent an email to 49ers staff Saturday announcing Marathe's departure.

Marathe had spent 25 years with the 49ers. He was an influential figure inside the team's football operation, leading strategy and salary cap operations, and played a key role in the development of Levi's Stadium.He is a widely respected figure around the NFL, at the forefront of many financial and front office ideas.

The 49ers have invested in both soccer clubs and remain involved as Marathe now shifts his focus there entirely.

General manager John Lynch called Marathe a "great friend."

"Indebted to Paraag, he's been here 25 years," Lynch said. "I've only been here 10, but he's been here 25 years and has had a huge imprint on this place.

"I know I speak for Jed, Al, Kyle, the entire organization that we're extremely indebted. And he's not like going away. We'll still see him and stuff, but his focus will be elsewhere."

San Francisco promoted Brian Hampton last year to an assistant general manager role, and he has become the team's primary contract negotiator. The Niners also brought back former Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah this offseason as vice president of personnel and strategy. Adofo-Mensah had previously worked for seven years in the team's football research and development department.

ESPN's Nick Wagoner and The Associated Press contributed to this report.