Sport
Roundtable: Addressing Talent Gaps In Sports Leadership
8 min read
The global sports industry is navigating a raft of complex challenges, from investment uncertainty and operational obstacles to evolving consumer behaviour and markets. Consequently, in the UK, Middle Eastern and German markets, the appetite for specialised skills and experienced leaders has grown remarkably.
Odgers Berndtson’s Euan Frizzell, Christian Bauer and Chris D'Amelio explore the key issues and opportunities in sports leadership, highlighting the importance of diversity, digital transformation, and sustainable practices to ensure a robust and diverse talent pipeline.
The challenges keeping sports leaders awake at night
UK
The UK sports industry faces a myriad of challenges, including financial instability caused by the need for fresh capital and the potential risks associated with poor financial management. Operational risks are heightened by the unique culture within the sports sector, which can undermine even the most thorough diligence and financial modelling.
Additionally, the industry contends with an increasingly fragmented media market, evolving consumer behaviour and fierce competition for viewer’s time and attention.
Governance and regulation, player welfare, congested calendars, environmental sustainability, and participation pathways also contribute to the complex landscape.
Middle East
In the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, the rapid expansion of the sports sector presents significant challenges in attracting and retaining top talent. With a pipeline of major sports events now confirmed within the region over the next decade, ongoing development of sporting federations and the establishment of new competition and training facilities, the volume of specialised skills required presents a substantial task.
Furthermore, regional government regulations require organisations to hire a minimum number of local employees. This has created a high demand for well-educated and experienced local professionals. As many employees are quickly promoted to leadership roles, organisations face added pressure to stay attractive as employers to retain these talented individuals.
Germany
The German sports industry is currently facing several significant challenges. One of the primary concerns is the economic impact of recent global crises, which have led to reduced revenues from ticket sales, sponsorships and broadcasting rights.
This financial strain is compounded by the need to invest in digital transformation and sustainability initiatives, which are becoming increasingly important to meet fans’ and stakeholders’ expectations.
Additionally, the shifting media landscape and the growing role of sports in societal issues, such as social justice and environmental sustainability, are pressing concerns for industry leaders.
How industry advancements are influencing available talent
UK
Implementing intelligent finance techniques can mitigate risks and enhance operational management, leading to more sustainable operations and informed decision-making.
Significant opportunities exist for capital providers to invest in the sports sector, provided they understand its unique cultural nuances and engage with sports executives who can effectively communicate their needs.
As sports organisations expand, there is a growing demand for leaders in high performance, not just expert practitioners, and a greater emphasis on digital and fan engagement to maintain relevance and connection with audiences.
Middle East
With the rapid expansion of the sports industry in the Middle East, sports industry talent is in high demand. With specialised sports consultancies and agencies filling the gap in the short term, a transition to permanent in-house expertise is inevitable to achieve a more sustainable workforce model.
Germany
Advancements in the sports industry, particularly in technology and data analytics, are creating gaps in available talent. The rapid pace of innovation calls for professionals with specialised skills in areas such as sports science, digital marketing, and data analysis. However, the supply of such talent is not keeping up with the demand, leading to a talent shortage.
How sports businesses can ensure a robust and diverse talent pipeline
UK
There is increased recognition that LinkedIn can be a helpful tool at a certain level, but it is not capable of helping to attract the diverse talent that proactive search can provide. Sports businesses should prioritise diversity in their recruitment processes to ensure a wide range of perspectives and ideas. It is also important to create an inclusive workplace culture where all employees feel valued and supported. Investing in leadership development programs is key to attracting and retaining diverse talent.
Middle East
International experts with deep experience across the sports sector still have a significant role to play across leadership positions in the Middle East, ensuring the steady progress and development of mega sports projects as well as significant involvement in the transfer of knowledge to local talent.
As this local talent continues to upskill, develop their SME capabilities and diversify within the industry, the market will strengthen its ability to drive projects forward without the ongoing requirement to seek expertise internationally.
Germany
To address these gaps and ensure a robust and diverse talent pipeline, sports businesses in Germany are adopting several strategies. They are investing in thorough talent development programs that cover both technical skills and leadership qualities, including partnerships with educational institutions for tailored training and hands-on internships. Additionally, companies are emphasising diversity and inclusion in their recruitment processes to attract a broader range of candidates.
Talent opportunities
UK
In the next three years, sports organisations have significant opportunities to leverage generative AI for enhanced fan engagement and operational efficiency; investing in fan data will allow for personalised experiences and stronger partnerships.
The evolution of commercial models offers new revenue streams, while sustainability initiatives can attract eco-conscious fans and sponsors. Additionally, mega-events like the Olympics will showcase innovative approaches to balancing cost, experience and legacy. By embracing these trends, sports organisations can better position themselves for a resilient and prosperous future.
Middle East
There is great opportunity for firms to provide specialised expertise within the sports sector to ensure the right skills and experience are found to provide ongoing growth and development within the sports industry.
This is not only limited to those who bring deep experience to leading sports-related organisations, but also those who possess key transferable skills which can be applied to the sports sector.
Sports organisations within the Middle East still very much value international experts who also possess significant experience working within the region. These candidates not only bring the required skills and experience, but also adapt more rapidly to the cultural landscape and ways of working within the region.
Germany
Despite these challenges, there are numerous opportunities in the sports industry. The increasing popularity of fitness and wellness activities presents a significant growth area, as more people prioritise their health and well-being.
Moreover, the digital transformation of sports, including the rise of e-sports and virtual events, offers new revenue streams and ways to engage with fans.
Odgers Berndtson’s expertise and global network are poised to help the sports industry not only navigate these challenges, but thrive by seizing opportunities with innovative best practices. Our extensive track record and worldwide presence enable us to support forward-thinking entities in their strategies to secure top-tier sports industry professionals, ensuring a vibrant and successful future.
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Get in touch. Follow the links below to discover more or contact our dedicated leadership experts from your local Odgers Berndtson office here.
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