Sports, Gaming & Media
How to Choose Your First Sports NED Role
4 min read
Securing an initial board position or developing a portfolio career is an aspiration for many professionals in the sport, media, and entertainment industries.
Odgers Berndtson’s Sport, Gaming & Media Practice recently hosted an interactive discussion with guest speakers Vinai Venkatesham, former CEO of Arsenal FC, and Diana Hunter, an award-winning C-suite leader, who shared their insights and advice on successfully making the transition to a NED role in the sports sector.
Vinai started his career with Deloitte before moving into sport, progressing to CEO of Arsenal FC from 2020 to 2024. His NED roles have included the BOA, World Athletics, Dugout, UEFA, and ECA, and has recently been appointed Chair of the newly formed Wembley Stadium Advisory Board.
Diana’s career background includes diverse blue chip private equity and plc, most recently heading IPO activities to build Conviviality plc into the UK’s largest wholesaler of its type. Her NED portfolio includes Wolf and Badger, Household Design Ltd, Board Chair of Pentathlon GB, and NED for British Judo.
Below are the top five main factors when considering a NED role.
1. Choose a business area you enjoy
Choosing your first NED role involves a thoughtful decision about your passions and the board's dynamics. Select a position that really interests you with a board who you believe you will enjoy working with and from whom you can learn.
Importantly, be aware that when times get tough—and they do get tough—it is crucial to have a group of people who will lean in with you during those challenging moments. This support is vital.
2. Understand your contributions to the role
Review your CV and think about the unique experiences and skills you bring to the boardroom and the Chair. Consider what the Chair needs and what you can offer that is different from others around the table. This distinction will make a significant difference to the organisation you join.
Identify the areas where you can remain at a high level and the areas where you need to dig deeper. Sometimes things won't seem right or won't feel right, and sometimes your expertise will allow you to add significant value by diving into the details. Finding this balance is the art of being a successful NED.
3. Carry out your own due diligence
To ensure a good fit, meet each board member, thoroughly understand the board's challenges, and spend time discussing key issues with the Chair.
Reality often reveals the true nature of an organisation only once you are a part of it. Hence, while there will always be a leap of faith involved, thorough research and due diligence are key.
Conducting due diligence and background checks, speaking with individuals both inside and outside the organisation, and having open and honest conversations with the recruitment firm handling the search are all crucial steps.
4. Recognise the time and legal commitment
Time demands of a NED role can vary—sometimes quieter and sometimes busier—often aligning with the intensity of your executive job. NED positions also come with significant responsibilities, including legal obligations as a company director.
“When you find yourself reading board papers on a Sunday afternoon, it won’t be for the fee. It will be because you are genuinely interested in the organisation, care about its mission, and are committed to making a difference.” - Vinai Venkatesham.
Conversations with executives outside the board meetings often provide deeper insights. The reality of non-exec roles can differ from the brief, demanding more involvement than initially expected.
5. Modify your mindset
The role of a NED differs significantly from that of an executive. It often involves a steep learning curve, with limited opportunities during board meetings to gain real-time insights, aside from your own preparations.
You don't have access to day-to-day information and aren't as close to the business, but there are times when you need to get closer.
"Generally, the team needs you to guide them and help them, so it's quite intense, but in a good way.” – Diana Hunter.
Odgers Berndtson’s time-proven expertise and global network identifies and develops world-class NED talent within the sports industry. Our dedicated leadership experts partner organisations with individuals who possess the right blend of commitment, insight, and passion to drive success.
________________________________________________________
Get in touch. Follow the links below to discover more, or contact our dedicated technology leadership experts from your local Odgers Berndtson office here.
Never miss an issue
Subscribe to our global magazine to hear our latest insights, opinions and featured articles.
Follow us
Join us on our social media channels and see how we're addressing today's biggest issues.