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We acutely understand the challenges in the business of sport and the need to marry performance, on and off the pitch. Nolan Partners has conducted Executive Searches across a wide variety of sporting organisations including world famous sporting clubs, governing bodies, professional leagues, venues, agencies, broadcasters and the major corporate organisations involved in sport and to date we have worked with over 30 sports across the world.

To see a sample of some of the roles we have successfully worked on, please click here and to read more about what our clients think of us please click here.

A selection of completed assignments:

• President & Chief Executive Officer – Chicago Bears
• Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director – USTA
• Chief Executive Officer – DAZN Group (DACH)
• Chief Executive Officer – Vancouver Whitecaps
• Chief Executive Officer – Houston Dynamo
• Chief Executive Officer (Président Exécutif & Directeur Général) – ESTAC (City Football Group)
• Chief Executive Officer – Lancashire County Cricket Club
• Chief Executive Officer – Newbury Racecourse
• Chief People & Diversity Officer – US Soccer
• Chief People & Diversity Officer – Detroit Lions
• Chief Commercial Officer – Newcastle United FC
• Chief Commercial Officer – Southampton FC
• Chief Revenue Officer – FC Internazionale Milano
• Chief Revenue Officer – AS Monaco FC
• Chief Revenue Officer – Minnesota Twins
• Chief Revenue Officer, International – Legends International
• Chief Revenue Officer – Al Jazira FC
• President of Business Operations – Houston Dynamo
• Chief Operating Officer – Liverpool FC
• Chief Operating Officer – Olympique de Marseille
• Senior Vice President, Olympics – On Location
• Chief Operating Officer, Cricket World Cup 2019 – International Cricket Council
• Chief Operating Officer – Lancashire County Cricket Club
• Chief Marketing Officer – Columbia Sportswear
• Chief Marketing and Communications Officer – Phoenix Suns
• Chief Marketing Officer – AS Monaco FC
• Chief Digital Officer – Juventus FC

• Chief Ticketing Officer – Washington Commanders
• Senior Vice President, Stadium Operations – Washington Commanders
• Vice-President, Non-Games Programming – LA 2028
• Non-Executive Chair – The English Football League
• Independent Non-Executive Director – The English Football Association
• Non-Executive Director – The English Football League
• Chief Financial Officer – New York City Football Club
• Chief Financial Officer – Los Angeles Football Club
• Chief Operating Officer – Brighton & Hove Albion FC
• Vice President, Finance – Oakland A’s
• Executive Director, Digital Services & Communications – International Tennis Federation
• Vice President, Marketing – Chicago Cubs
• Vice President, Marketing & Brand – Tennessee Titans
• Human Resources Director – Chelsea FC
• Human Resources Director – Liverpool FC
• Head of Human Resources – NBA Asia
• Global Head of Digital – Specialized Bicycle Corporation
• Head of Sales – Religion of Sports

“I’ve worked with Nolan Partners on multiple searches across verticals and properties. I couldn’t recommend them more highly.”

Al Guido, President of San Francisco 49ers and CEO of Elevate

“Nolan Partners is world-class. They have served as both recruiters and business consultants for our most critical roles. Nolan Partners has helped us fill key leadership roles across partnerships, strategy, and marketing, most recently assisting us in hiring our Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer. We are delighted with the outcome and look forward to future searches with Nolan Partners.”

Dave Jenkins
Chief Operating Officer of Haslam Sports Group (Cleveland Browns and Columbus Crew)

“Over the last two years we have worked with Nolan Partners on the appointment of a Sporting Director, a Main Board Non-Executive Director and a number of other senior management appointments. We have found them extremely thorough, professional and good fun to work with. We believe they are the number one firm in sports recruitment and would recommend them to any Sports organisation to handle their senior appointments.”

 

Paul Barber
Chief Executive of Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club

“We could not be more delighted in the process. The search was rigorous, organized, thorough, and efficient. Nolan Partners’ management of the search committee and the board was immaculate. We could not be more enthused with our selection. Diversity was obviously just as important to them as it was to us. We were also impressed with their geographic breadth: Nolan Partners attracted and assessed candidates in the US, UK, Europe, and Australia. I highly recommend Nolan Partners for your next search.”

Barry Siff
Former Board President, USA Triathlon

“Nolan Partners / Excel Sports Management have been key partners in our transformation and success. They are real partners, inherently collaborative professionals who truly listen. This allows them to tailor their approach and find candidates who can thrive in our unique circumstances. Together, we’ve hired top leadership across marketing, revenue, legal, and stadium operations. They are my go-to partner on senior leadership and I’ve never doubted that they had the success of my organization as their main priority.”

Jason Wright
President, Washington Commanders
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