Welcome to Sideline Moves, Insider Sport’s new weekly roundup spotlighting the key moves shaping the business of sport.
Every Friday, we bring you the latest executive appointments, strategic hires, boardroom shifts, and behind-the-scenes deals from across the global sports industry — all in one place.
Angus Kinnear takes charge as Everton CEO
Everton FC appointed Angus Kinnear as the club’s new CEO on May 12.
This marks one of the most significant moves under the new ownership of The Friedkin Group. Kinnear joins Everton after previously serving as CEO of Leeds United.
Since the announcement, it has been a busy few days for the club. On May 13, Everton revealed that Goodison Park will become the permanent home for the women’s team.
On May 15, Kinnear outlined his priorities and ambitions for the Merseyside club. These include introducing a new football structure, emphasising the importance of Everton Women and preparing for the upcoming stadium move, among other initiatives.
“It is a tremendous honour to be joining Everton as Chief Executive Officer. This is a club with a huge and passionate fanbase, steeped in a proud history and with enormous potential thanks to the vision of our ownership and the move this summer to an awe-inspiring new stadium,” Kinnear said.
Alex Morgan returns to Wave FC as minority owner
Alex Morgan has returned to the NWSL as a minority investor in San Diego Wave FC, the club where she ended her playing career in 2024.
The former USWNT star announced her investment on May 13, less than a year after retiring following the news of her second pregnancy.
“San Diego is where I’ve built my home… I’m proud to invest in that future, not just as a player, but now as an investor,” Morgan said.
Her investment comes amid a period of major change for the club. Since being acquired by the Levine Leichtman family at the end of the 2024 season, the Wave have appointed Jonas Eidevall as head coach.
Morgan’s move follows her post-retirement commitment to back women’s sports, having already launched venture firm Trybe Ventures and invested in the Unrivaled women’s basketball league.
PSG appoints CRO ahead of Champions League final
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) appointed Richard Heaselgrave as its new Chief Revenue Officer on May 13.
Based at the club’s Paris headquarters, Heaselgrave will oversee PSG’s global commercial strategy, including sponsorship, media rights, digital, hospitality, ticketing and fan engagement.
“It is an honour to join the great institution of Paris Saint-Germain,” Heaselgrave said. “I look forward to helping drive the club’s growth in France and worldwide, supporting its sporting ambitions and long-term success.”
The appointment comes as PSG prepares for its UEFA Champions League clash on May 31 against Inter Milan, following another strong season both on and off the pitch. Under Qatar Sports Investments, PSG reported $874m (€806m) in revenue for the 2023/24 season, the third highest in world football.
PSG CEO Victoriano Melero described Heaselgrave as a “top talent”, adding his arrival will help take the club to the next level.
Sportz Interactive gears up for European growth with key hires
Sportz Interactive announced a wave of strategic hires across Europe on May 12 as part of its ongoing global expansion.
The sports technology and fan engagement company has added experienced professionals to its marketing and business development teams in France, Spain, Portugal, and the UK. These appointments aim to accelerate growth and strengthen local market expertise.
Sportz Interactive collaborates with global rights holders such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Formula 1, delivering digital data solutions, fan experiences and engagement platforms.
“We’re thrilled to welcome such exceptional talent,” said Alex Chamberlen, Director, Head of UK and Europe. “They’ll be key to delivering transformative digital solutions across the region.”
“This marks a significant step forward in our growth journey,” added Arvind Iyengar, Chairman at Sportz Interactive. “These appointments enhance our local expertise and reinforce our position as a trailblazer in digital fan engagement – ensuring we deliver outstanding value to our partners and unforgettable experiences to fans.”
We’re spotlighting the movers and shakers shaping the sport business every Friday.
Submit your people moves to Insider Sport’s Editor, Rachael Kennedy, at [email protected] and be featured in Sideline Moves.
