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 executive search with targeted market intelligence, mapping leadership talent, organisations and market movement across UK, Irish and European sport.
Before approaching the market, we build a clear picture of where the relevant talent sits, who may be accessible and where the strongest potential candidates can be found.
TALENT
Talent availability · Candidate accessibility · Succession opportunities
ORGANISATIONS
Leadership structures · Competitor organisations · Target organisations
MARKET
Market movement · Compensation
SPECIALIST. CONNECTED. INFORMED. PERSONAL.
Search Should Feel Personal
Executive appointments are significant decisions for organisations and individuals.
XI Executive provides a discreet, consultative and highly personal search experience.
Clients work directly with the person responsible for their search, from the initial conversation through to appointment.
No unnecessary layers. No transactional recruitment process.
Just informed conversations, rigorous research and a genuine commitment to finding the right person.
START WITH A CONVERSATION
The Right Leadership Can Change an Organisation.
Whether you’re planning a critical appointment, considering succession or simply want to understand the leadership market, start with a conversation.