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.
Casper Stylsvig exits Chelsea amid sponsorship challenges
Casper Stylsvig has stepped down as Chief Revenue Officer at Chelsea FC, the club confirmed on September 17.
He joined the Premier League side in November 2023 from AC Milan, where he spent four years leading the Italian club’s commercial revival and return to profitability. On his appointment, then-Chelsea CEO Chris Jurasek described Stylsvig as a leader bringing “extensive commercial and football experience” to the organisation.
The Danish executive has held senior commercial roles at some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Before Milan, he spent three years as Chief Revenue Officer at Fulham and nearly a decade as Manchester United’s Global Sponsorship Director, having begun his football career with FC Barcelona in 2006.
Stylsvig’s departure, after less than two years in the role, comes as Chelsea continues to operate without a long-term front-of-shirt sponsor, having gone two seasons relying on short-term agreements with Damac and Infinite Athlete.
The London club has faced intense scrutiny under the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) after heavy investment in player signings, with a main shirt sponsor regarded as one of the most valuable commercial assets available.
In the absence of such a deal, Chelsea’s owners, BlueCo, comprising Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly, have turned to unconventional measures to balance the books, including the full acquisition of Chelsea Women for an undisclosed fee.
Stylsvig has not yet commented on his departure and his next move remains unconfirmed.
Sarah Cummins to lead World Sevens Football as CEO
Sarah Cummins has been named CEO of World Sevens Football (W7F), the women’s seven-a-side professional series, announced on September 16.
With more than 25 years’ experience across sport, entertainment and media, Cummins has built a reputation as a senior commercial leader. She joins from WTA Ventures, where she was Senior Vice President of Partnerships and has previously held senior roles with WWE, the USTA, New York Road Runners, Vineyard Vines and Isos Capital.
Cummins said she was “absolutely thrilled” to take on the role, describing W7F as a property that reflects the values she has pursued throughout her career. She added the series’ global reach, record prize pool and focus on athlete experience offered “the perfect foundation for success.”
Launched earlier this year in Portugal with a $5m prize pool, W7F has become a new platform for women’s football, blending fast-paced matches with international exposure. Its next event will take place in December in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Jen Mackesy, W7F Co-founder and Investor, described Cummins’ appointment as a chance to “take World Sevens Football to the next level” and said her leadership will be key to building the competition’s global presence.
Former player Eno Polo steps up as ATP CEO
Eno Polo has been appointed CEO of the ATP, the governing body for men’s professional tennis
The ATP confirmed Polo’s appointment on September 17, noting he brings extensive global leadership experience across sport, fashion and consumer industries.
Polo has been closely involved with the ATP for several years, serving as a Player Representative on its Board of Directors since 2021. This experience gave him an in-depth understanding of the tour’s operations and strategic priorities, preparing him to take the reins.
He will take charge of the ATP’s worldwide operations, guiding the tour through its OneVision strategy, which aims to grow the sport, engage fans and create lasting value for players, tournaments and partners.
A former professional tennis player, Polo represented Kenya in Davis Cup competition before pursuing a business career which included senior roles at Nike, Juventus FC, Havaianas, Global Brands Group and LeDap.
“Eno is a dynamic and accomplished leader who understands both the commercial landscape and the intricacies of professional tennis,” said ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi.
Polo added: “Having had the privilege of working closely with players and tournaments, I know the power of collaboration. It’s an honour to step into this role as ATP CEO and help lead the organisation in its next phase of growth.”
Polo succeeds Massimo Calvelli, who stepped down in June 2025 after more than five years as CEO.
Spurs taps Kate Miller to head communications
Kate Miller is taking on a new challenge at Tottenham Hotspur, stepping in as the club’s Chief Communications Officer from early November.
Miller moves from the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB), where she had led communications since 2019, overseeing corporate strategy, public affairs and diversity initiatives.
According to an announcement by the club on September 12, Miller will be responsible for media relations, supporter engagement, reputation management, internal communications and corporate social responsibility work.
She arrives at a time of high ambition for the club, following European success and with changed leadership across both men’s and women’s teams.
“I’m thrilled to join the fantastic team at Tottenham Hotspur,” Miller said. “The club is perfectly placed to build on its success, and I can’t wait to get started and contribute to the journey ahead.”
Tottenham CEO Vinai Venkatesham said Miller’s experience will be key to helping the club communicate effectively with supporters and stakeholders as it continues to grow its profile on and off the pitch.
Snapshot Moves
Abi Hallworth has been appointed Director of Partnerships Communications and PR at the WTA, having previously led PR across Sky Sports’ full rights portfolio.
Heather McCormick joins London Marathon as Group Director of Communications and Public Affairs, bringing 20 years’ experience with organisations including The Guardian, Lumos and Youth Sport Trust.
Guy Fowles takes on the role of Marketing Director at London Marathon Events, having previously held senior marketing positions at Wasteland Travel, Penguin Books and the National Literacy Trust.
Vassilis Gavroglou has been named Chief Human Resources Officer at Kaizen Gaming, bringing over 20 years of international HR experience across energy, technology, banking and consulting.
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 about Crystal Palace’s new CEO Sharon Lacey, click HERE to read!
