XI EXECUTIVE
Sports Executive Search & Leadership Recruitment
XI Executive is a specialist sports executive search firm helping football clubs, governing bodies, investors and sports organisations appoint exceptional leaders across the UK, Ireland and Europe.
XI EXECUTIVE
Leadership Defines Performance
Success in sport isn't only determined on the field. Behind every successful sports organisation are leaders shaping strategy, investment, commercial growth and sporting performance.
XI Executive works with clubs, governing bodies, investors and sports organisations to identify and attract senior executives who can make a meaningful impact.
Combining targeted market intelligence, detailed research and a relationship-led approach, we connect organisations with leadership talent capable of driving long-term success.
WHAT WE DO
Leadership Across Sport
BOARD & LEADERSHIP
Executive search for Chief Executives, Managing Directors, Board Directors, Chairs and Non-Executive Directors across clubs, governing bodies and sports organisations. Supporting critical leadership appointments and succession planning.
FINANCE & INVESTMENT
Executive search for Chief Financial Officers, Finance Directors, Investment Directors and senior finance leaders across clubs, sports organisations and sports investment businesses. Supporting financial leadership, investment strategy and organisational growth.
SPORTING & TECHNICAL
Executive search for Sporting Directors, Technical Directors, Directors of Football, Heads of Recruitment, Academy Directors and senior football leadership roles. Helping football clubs and sports organisations appoint leaders responsible for sporting strategy, player development, recruitment and long-term performance.
COMMERCIAL
Executive search for Chief Commercial Officers, Commercial Directors, Heads of Partnerships, Sponsorship Directors, Marketing Directors and senior revenue leaders. Helping clubs, governing bodies and sports organisations appoint executives who drive commercial growth, develop strategic partnerships and maximise revenue opportunities.
PERFORMANCE & OPERATIONS
Executive search for Performance Directors, Chief Operating Officers, Operations Directors, Heads of Performance, HR Directors and senior operational leaders. Helping clubs, governing bodies and sports organisations strengthen organisational effectiveness, develop high-performance environments and deliver sustainable success.
OUR APPROACH
Search With Purpose
Appointing senior leaders in sport requires more than advertising a vacancy.
XI Executive delivers a targeted, research-led executive search process, helping football clubs, governing bodies and sports organisations identify, engage and appoint exceptional leadership talent across the UK, Ireland and Europe.
01 UNDERSTAND
We work closely with clubs, governing bodies and sports organisations to understand their strategy, culture, leadership requirements and long-term objectives.
02 MAP
We conduct targeted market research and executive talent mapping to identify senior leaders across football, sport and relevant industries, including individuals not actively seeking a new role.
03 ENGAGE
We confidentially approach, engage and assess high-calibre executives, evaluating their experience, leadership capabilities, motivation and suitability for the organisation.
04 APPOINT
We manage shortlisting, interviews, assessment, referencing and offer negotiations, supporting both client and candidate through to successful appointment.
MARKET INTELLIGENCE
Intelligence Before Search
Executive search starts with understanding the market.
XI Executive combines specialist sports executive search with targeted market intelligence to help football clubs, governing bodies, investors and sports organisations make informed leadership appointments. Our research identifies relevant executive talent, maps competitor organisations and provides insight into leadership availability across the UK, Ireland and Europe.
Before approaching potential candidates, we assess the leadership landscape to understand where relevant talent sits, which executives may be open to new opportunities and how organisations can position themselves to attract the strongest candidates. This research-led approach helps clients make informed hiring decisions and reduces uncertainty throughout the executive search process
TALENT
Mapping executive talent across football and sport, assessing candidate availability, leadership experience and potential succession opportunities.
ORGANISATIONS
Mapping football clubs, governing bodies, sports organisations and investment-backed businesses to identify leadership structures, competitor talent and potential recruitment opportunities.
MARKET
Analysing executive recruitment trends, leadership demand, salary benchmarks and talent movement across the UK, Ireland and European sports industry to inform hiring strategies.
SPECIALIST. CONNECTED. INFORMED. PERSONAL.
Search Should Feel Personal
Appointing a senior executive is one of the most important decisions a sports organisation can make. Whether recruiting a Chief Executive, Sporting Director, Finance Director or Commercial leader, finding the right individual requires trust, discretion and a thorough understanding of the organisation
XI Executive delivers a confidential, consultative and relationship-led executive search service tailored to the needs of each client. We take time to understand the organisation, its culture, leadership challenges and long-term ambitions before identifying and approaching suitable executives.
Every XI Executive assignment is personally managed from the initial consultation through to the successful appointment. Clients benefit from direct communication, consistent senior-level involvement and a single point of contact throughout the executive search process
Our approach is built on genuine relationships, honest advice and rigorous research. We prioritise quality over volume, providing a focused and transparent executive search experience that puts the long-term interests of our clients and candidates first.
START WITH A CONVERSATION
The Right Leadership Can Change an Organisation.
Whether you're appointing a Chief Executive, Sporting Director or senior business leader, planning leadership succession or exploring the executive talent market, XI Executive can help you identify the right people to move your organisation forward. Start with a confidential conversation about your leadership needs.