Welcome to Sideline Moves, Insider Sport’s 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
Claire Bloomfield leaves European Club Association
Claire Bloomfield has announced her departure from the European Club Association (ECA) after five years, marking the end of a pioneering tenure as the organisation’s first-ever Head of Women’s Football.
During her time in the role, Bloomfield was instrumental in giving European women’s clubs a formal voice in global football governance. Her work included launching ECA’s inaugural women’s football strategy, driving reforms to the UEFA Women’s Champions League, and championing the introduction of a second-tier competition – the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup – which was greenlit in 2024.
She also played a key role in shaping the women’s international match calendar alongside FIFA, helped secure maternity provisions in partnership with FIFPRO , and led the groundbreaking women’s football boot study that sparked debate in the UK Parliament.
On the governance front, Bloomfield oversaw reforms that saw women’s clubs gain seats on the ECA Board and allowed clubs to qualify for ECA membership based on the performance of their women’s teams — a structural shift that embedded women’s football deeper into the European club ecosystem.
Reflecting on her departure, Bloomfield said: “What truly matters is building a legacy that lasts… This chapter closes with immense pride for what has been achieved, and with excitement for what comes next.”
Crystal Palace appoint Sharon Lacey as Chief Executive Officer
Crystal Palace Football Club have named Sharon Lacey as their new CEO. She returns to the club after 15 years in various roles, including most recently Director of Operations and Chief Operating Officer.
A key part of Lacey’s remit will be driving forward the club’s Main Stand redevelopment project, especially now that several enabling works have been completed over the summer. She’ll also lead the overall business operations during what Palace describe as an “exciting period” following recent on-field successes.
Chairman Steve Parish praised her “outstanding track record and immense contribution,” pointing to her deep knowledge of the club’s inner workings as making her the ideal person to build on Palace’s recent achievements.
Sharon Lacey said she is “thrilled… to lead the Club’s business operations at such an exciting moment in its story,” and is looking forward to returning to Selhurst Park in her new role.
David Hopkinson named Newcastle United CEO as Darren Eales steps down
Newcastle United have confirmed that Darren Eales will step down as CEO following the appointment of David Hopkinson as his successor.
Eales’ departure was first announced in 2024, citing health reasons. He remained in post to oversee the transition and will now hand over after three years in which the club secured two UEFA Champions League qualifications and ended a 70-year domestic trophy drought.
Hopkinson joins with a strong pedigree in North American sport, previously serving in senior executive roles at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, the New York Knicks, and the Canadian Premier League.
Chairman Yasir Al Rumayyan and director Jamie R. both paid tribute to Eales’ role in Newcastle’s recent success, with Reuben describing his tenure as “exceptional leadership during a period of positive change.” Eales, for his part, said he leaves with “immense pride” and welcomed Hopkinson as “an outstanding executive.”
Hopkinson said it was “an honour” to take up the role and praised Eales for his support during the transition. He now leads the club into its next chapter as it aims to consolidate its position among Europe’s elite.
Mike Grier makes NHL history as first Black general manager
The San Jose Sharks appointed Mike Grier as the first Black general manager in National Hockey League (NHL) history.
Grier, a 14-season NHL veteran with over 1,000 games under his belt, played for the Oilers, Capitals, Sabres, and the Sharks – the latter stint proving instrumental in his return to the Bay Area. Post-retirement, he built a multifaceted executive résumé with scouting duties at the Chicago Blackhawks, coaching experience at the New Jersey Devils, and front office responsibilities with the New York Rangers.
He replaces Joe Will, who served in an interim capacity following the departure of longtime GM Doug Wilson. Grier now takes over a Sharks franchise in rebuild mode, saddled with difficult contracts and a shallow prospect pool.
Postecoglou returns to the touchline with Nottingham Forest role
Nottingham Forest have confirmed the appointment of Ange Postecoglou as First Team Head Coach, marking a major statement of intent from the Midlands club as it eyes continued European progression.
Postecoglou joins Forest following a trophy-winning spell at Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, where he delivered the club’s first major silverware in 17 years – lifting the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League. That capped a rapid rise in English football following success at Celtic Football Club, where he won five domestic trophies in two seasons, including a treble in 2022/23.
The Australian has also managed in Japan and his native Australia, where he won league titles with Yokohama F. Marinos and Brisbane Roar respectively.
Club owner Evangelos Marinakis praised Postecoglou’s “proven and consistent record of winning trophies”, adding:
“We now must take the right step to compete with the very best and challenge for trophies. Ange has the credentials and track-record to do this.”
IOC announces three key leadership appointments
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced three senior appointments set to bolster its executive leadership across communications, human resources and the President’s office.
From September 15, Jan Paterson will join as Chief of Staff to IOC President Kirsty Coventry. A former CEO of the British Olympic Foundation, Paterson has decades of Olympic experience and is currently Managing Director for Sport at NEOM.
Former BBC Olympic Correspondent James Pearce has taken up the role of Chief Communications Advisor to the President as of 1 September, bringing extensive media and strategic comms expertise to the IOC’s leadership circle.
Meanwhile, Julien Baehni , currently Chief of Human Resources at UEFA, will become IOC Human Resources Director from January 2026, succeeding long-serving executive Xavier Tissières following a handover period.
IOC Director General Christophe De Kepper said the trio brought “a wealth of experience” and thanked both outgoing executives for their service, including Marcus Hausen, who departs as Chief of Staff.
Spurs name Adam Gardiner as new CMO
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club has appointed Adam Gardiner as its new Chief Marketing Officer, in a move that sees him switch allegiances from arch-rivals Arsenal F.C, where he spent the past five years as Marketing Director.
Gardiner is expected to join Spurs in early 2026 and will lead the club’s brand, marketing, and content strategy. Prior to his time at Arsenal, he held several senior roles during a 12-year stint at Nike, equipping him with extensive experience across sport and global consumer marketing.
In his new role, Gardiner is tasked with strengthening fan engagement and shaping the club’s brand identity during a pivotal period of commercial expansion. He called the opportunity “incredibly exciting” and said he hopes to make “Spurs supporters proud.”
Spurs CEO Vinai Venkatesham OBE welcomed the appointment, noting the importance of the CMO role to the club’s broader efforts to deepen supporter connections and enhance global brand presence.
ISU elects first-ever Elections Committee as part of governance reform
The International Skating Union (ISU) has appointed its first-ever Elections Committee, marking a milestone in its Vision 2030 governance reform agenda. The decision follows the adoption of a modernised ISU Constitutional Framework at an extraordinary congress in July.
The newly elected committee — Laura Raitio (Finland), @odi Abbott (Canada), and Mark Greenwald (USA) — will serve a four-year term until 1 September 2029. Their mandate includes organising and supervising all ISU electoral processes, starting with the 2026 elections at the 60th Ordinary ISU Congress in Tenerife.
The appointments reflect the ISU’s commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability. President Jae Youl Kim said:
“Today’s election represents another pivotal moment in our transformative journey… Good governance is the foundation of a strong and trusted ISU.”
The new body will oversee all election protocols, from candidacy procedures to voting integrity, and ensure constitutional compliance across the organisation’s global network.
John Martin steps up as FAI Director of Football
The Football Association of Ireland has appointed John Martin as its new Director of Football, as part of a dual announcement that also sees Shane Robinson confirmed as Technical Director on a permanent basis.
A former League of Ireland midfielder with UCD, Longford Town and Shamrock Rovers, Martin transitioned into financial services before returning to football administration, most recently serving as CEO of Shamrock Rovers.
Martin’s remit will include working directly with the Ireland Men’s and Women’s national team coaches, as well as overseeing key football departments including coach education, competitions, refereeing, and strategic football projects. He will also chair the FAI’s Football Leadership Team and focus on aligning the women’s and girls’ game with broader structural priorities.
FAI CEO David Courell said Martin “offers a great blend of skills and experience” to help implement the Football Pathways Plan, while Martin himself said he was excited to help Irish football “raise standards” across all levels.
Robinson, meanwhile, will continue to lead player development, talent identification and youth international performance after a successful interim stint.
Snapshot moves:
- Ronan Joyce has been appointed Chief Business Officer at Salford City FC. He joins from Manchester United, where he led digital growth and innovation strategies.
- Herbert Hainer will serve a third term as club president of FC Bayern München following the administrative board’s unanimous decision.
- The New York Knicks have reportedly hired Saint Joseph’s head coach Billy Lange for a role with the NBA franchise
- The New York Rangers have hired former NHL forward Blake Wheeler to be the team’s hockey operations advisor. Wheeler officially retired from the NHL this summer in July after playing 16 seasons.
We’re spotlighting the movers and shakers shaping the sports business every Friday.
Submit your people moves to Insider Sport’s Editor, Rachael Kennedy, at [email protected] and be featured in Sideline Moves.
Catch up on last week’s Sideline Moves to learn why Sunderland chose a Formula E exec to join their team.
September 15 will see SBC organise a ground breaking charity football event in Lisbon. Make sure you get the chance to see some of the most legendary names in football by securing your ticket today at https://www.legendscharitygame.com/
