EISG Host Second HR in Sport Summit 

On March 19th, 2025, Executives in Sport Group had the privilege of hosting the second HR in Sport Summit at the iconic Etihad Stadium, with generous support from Manchester City Football Club and City Football Group. 

What began last year as an idea rooted in our core values, community, mentorship, and connection has quickly become a must-attend moment in the sporting calendar for Talent Acquisition and HR professionals across all corners of the sports industry.  

Breaking the Ice at Co-op Live 

Last year, our community told us they’d value more time to connect, so we made it happen. The evening before the summit, we brought together over 30 senior HR leaders at Co-op Live for a night of relaxed networking, food, and drinks, setting the tone for a day of openness, insight, and shared purpose. Huge thanks to Catherine Wallace and the Co-op Live team for creating such a memorable atmosphere. 

Summit Day – Ideas That Move the Industry Forward 

On Wednesday morning, the doors of the Etihad opened to welcome over 50 HR and talent professionals from sports, including football, rugby, cricket, athletics, Formula One, and horse racing. Though diverse in discipline, the conversations revealed a powerful truth: our challenges are shared, and collaboration is key. 

Expert Panels & Real-World Insights 

The day was structured around thought-provoking panels and interactive roundtables, featuring a standout line-up of industry voices including: 

  • Rose Read, Head of People and Culture, Brighton & Hove Albion FC 
  • Zoe Brough, former HR Director, Wolverhampton Wanderers and now a seasoned HR consultant 
  • Javan Odegah, Strategic Partnership Manager at Leaders in Sport and EDI Advisor at Brentford FC 

Roundtable discussions gave attendees the space to explore challenges and solutions around leadership development, wellbeing, culture change, and digital transformation in HR. Crucially, the format encouraged cross-sport dialogue, highlighting how much we can learn from each other, no matter what game we play! 

A Jam-Packed Agenda 

We kicked off the day with an inspiring Q&A with Yvonne Harrison, CEO of Women in Football, who reminded us of the enduring power of advocacy, allyship, and courageous leadership in sport. 

This was followed by a powerful session led by Rose Read and Zoe Brough, exploring what it means to step into the role of final decision-maker. Through honest and insightful discussion, they reflected on the shift from ‘influencing’ to ‘owning’ outcomes—and the growth, complexity, and accountability that comes with leading at the highest level. 

Next, we turned our attention to a future-shaping theme: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI). In a dynamic panel featuring Javan Odegah, Jessica Freeman, and Eddie Koppoe, we explored the intersection of people, purpose, and social impact—an increasingly critical focus for sports organisations striving to lead both on and off the field. 

After a delicious lunch, James Whitelock led an engaging session on one of the most powerful (yet often underused) tools in employer branding: employee advocacy. We explored how empowering employees to create content and build their personal brands can, in turn, strengthen the employer brand by association, while also navigating the opportunities and challenges that come with it. 

The day concluded with a timely and informative legal update, covering the Employment Rights Bill, the complexities of managing a two-tier workforce, and key Right to Work considerations, ensuring attendees left with actionable insights on emerging legal and compliance trends. 

Takeaways That Matter 

Attendees left with more than just notes. They walked away with fresh perspectives, actionable strategies, and new relationships to help shape the future of HR in sport. 

Special thanks go to Shannon Taylor (ACIPD) and the wider team at City Football Group for once again being our exceptional hosts. 

Until Next Time… 

At Executives in Sport Group, we’re more than a recruitment consultancy, we’re community builders. Events like the HR in Sport Summit remind us that when the right people get in the room, ideas turn into impact. 

We can’t wait to welcome even more of you to future events. Until then, keep leading with heart, purpose, and ambition. 

Want to Join the Conversation?  

The HR in Sport Community is a free space, run by the Executives in Sport Group, aiming to connect HR and Talent professionals across the world of sports. 

If you’re interested in joining the community and attending future events, you can find out more or sign up here.