menu

Hanson Search is a specialist sports marketing executive search firm. We deliver sports marketing executive search assignments for Chief Marketing Officers, Chief Commercial Officers, Chief Growth Officers, Managing Directors and Non-Executive Directors across rights holders, federations, leagues, clubs, sports agencies, global sponsors and PE-backed sports portfolios. Our consultants operate across London, Europe, the USA and the Middle East.

A senior leadership appointment in sport carries compounding consequences. The wrong CMO can cost a rights holder a sponsorship cycle. The wrong commercial director can leave a federation underselling its rights for years. Sports marketing executive search is therefore a discipline of judgement, discretion and depth, not a question of database size. We headhunt confidentially, with a process built for senior appointments where market intelligence and shortlist quality matter as much as the final hire.

C-Suite Sports Marketing Executive Search Mandates We Deliver

Our sports marketing executive search work is concentrated at the most senior end of the function. Specifically, we deliver mandates for Chief Marketing Officers, Chief Commercial Officers, Chief Growth Officers, Chief Brand Officers, Managing Directors, General Managers and Non-Executive Directors with sports marketing pedigree.

In addition, we lead confidential succession searches for VPs and SVPs of Marketing, VPs of Commercial, Group Marketing Directors and the heads of newly created functions inside scaling sports businesses. Where rights holders and sponsors require a confidential off-market approach, our sports marketing executive search process protects discretion at every stage.

Why Senior Sports Marketing Hires Demand a Specialist Search Partner

At Director, VP and C-suite level, generic recruitment rarely works. The strongest senior candidates are already in role, are not actively looking and will not engage with a process that lacks rigour or discretion. As a result, specialist sports marketing executive search is the only credible route to the right shortlist.

A genuine specialist partner aligns with the client on outcomes, not transactions. We invest in the longlist, the shortlist and the final appointment, and we commit to confidentiality at every stage. Equally, senior sports appointments demand discretion, particularly where succession is sensitive, where competitor activity is high, or where the assignment touches Board level. Our sports marketing executive search team has run this process across rights holders, federations and global sponsors operating in some of the most commercially active corners of the industry.

The Hanson Search Sports Marketing Executive Search Process

Every senior mandate is led by an experienced consultant who owns the assignment from kick-off to placement. We build each shortlist on four principles. First, we map the full market across rights holders, federations, leagues, sports agencies, sponsors, broadcasters and PE-backed sports portfolios, because the right C-suite leader often sits in an adjacent corner of the ecosystem. Second, we approach passive candidates directly and confidentially, since the strongest senior leaders rarely respond to inbound enquiries. Third, we benchmark candidates against commercial track record, sponsorship and rights credibility, content and digital fluency, and the strategic judgement to operate at Board level. Fourth, we hold ourselves accountable to diverse shortlists on every assignment.

In addition, we layer salary benchmarking, competitor intelligence, market mapping and onboarding support around the core search. Our B Corp certification reflects a settled commitment to responsible executive search.

Speak With Our Sports Marketing Executive Search Team

For a confidential conversation about a sports marketing executive search assignment, our team welcomes a direct introduction. We advise on Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Commercial Officer, Managing Director and Non-Executive Director appointments across rights holders, federations, leagues, sports agencies, sponsors and the wider global sports community.

Get in touch










    Latest jobs

    View all
    • 18.05.2026

      Events Content Lead, Abu Dhabi, UAE

      • Location: Abu Dhabi
      • Type: Permanent
      • Salary: Competitive Package
      • Specialism: Corporate Communications, Operational, Events
      A leading Abu Dhabi-based organisation is seeking an experienced Events Content Lead to play a pivotal role in shaping how its strategy, priorities and achievements are communicated through world-class events. This is a high-profile opportunity for a senior communications professional to join a well-resourced and influential organisation, working at the intersection of content, brand and corporate communications....
      View job & apply
    • 15.05.2026

      External Communications Manager, Corporate Communications, Abu Dhabi

      • Location: Abu Dhabi
      • Type: Permanent
      • Salary: AED 80,000 – AED 90,000 per month
      • Specialism: Corporate Communications
      About the External Communications Manager Role in Abu Dhabi A leading Abu Dhabi-based organisation is seeking an experienced External Communications Manager to play a pivotal role in shaping, protecting and enhancing its corporate reputation on both a regional and internation...
      View job & apply
    • 13.05.2026

      Business Support Manager, Global Headhunting Consultancy, London

      • Location: London
      • Type: 12 Months FTC
      • Salary: £40000
      • Specialism: Operational
      • Internal Role
      About Hanson Search and the Business Support Manager Role Hanson Search is a global headhunting consultancy dedicated not only to discovering talent but to tra...
      View job & apply
    • 12.05.2026

      Creative Director, PR, Social and Earned-First Creative Agency, London

      • Location: London
      • Type: Permanent / Hybrid
      • Salary: Competitive
      About the Role: Creative Director We are seeking an innovative and earned-first conceptual Creative Director to inspire and lead creative thinking across the agency. You will work closely with teams across various sectors and clients, encouraging fresh, bold ideas while ensuring creative excellence in every project. Reporting to the leadership t...
      View job & apply
    • 12.05.2026

      Insights Lead: Communications Strategy and Planning, Abu Dhabi

      • Location: Abu Dhabi
      • Type: Permanent
      • Salary: TBD
      • Specialism: Market research and Insights, Strategic Communications, Strategy, Digital
      A central role within a high-profile organisation, shaping how strategy is communicated and understood at every level of the business. This position sits at the intersection of marketing and Communications strategy and planning. It offers the chance to work closely with senior communications leadership, translate complex priorities into clear narratives, and ensure communication supports real business outcomes.
      View job & apply
    • 12.05.2026

      UK Managing Director Job – Tech PR Consultancy (12-Month FTC)

      • Location: London (12-Month FTC)
      • Type: 12 Months FTC
      • Salary: Competitive Package
      • Specialism: Technology Communications, C-suite & Advisory
      UK Leadership role for a High-Growth European Tech PR Consultancy You Apply now for the UK Managing Director role – Technology PR & Venture Capital (12-Month FTC) in London We’re proud to be supporting an award-winning European technology PR consultancy on its search for a brilliant contractor to step in as UK Managing Director during a period of parental leave. This 12-month Fixed Term Contract will see you lead the high-performing London office of this agency, specialisi...
      View job & apply
    • 12.05.2026

      Managing Director, Technology Communications Agency, Germany

      • Location: Munich
      • Type: Permanent
      • Salary: Competitive + Bonus + Benefits
      • Specialism: Strategic Communications, Corporate Communications, Technology Communications
      About the Role: Managing Director, Germany We are partnering with a globally recognised technology communications consultancy to appoint a Managing Director for Germany. This is a senior commercial and leadership role responsible for driving the agency’s growth, reputation, client leadership, and market expansion across Germany, with a focus on the Munich market.
      View job & apply
    • 12.05.2026

      Managing Director, Technology Communications Agency, Spain

      • Location: Spain
      • Type: Permanent
      • Salary: Competitive + Benefits
      • Specialism: Strategic Communications, Corporate Communications, Technology Communications
      About the Role: Managing Director Technology Communications Agency, Spain We are partnering with a globally recognised technology communications consultancy to appoint a Managing Director for Spain. This is a senior commercial and leadership role responsible for driving the agency’s growth, reputation, client leadership, and market expansion across Spain and the wider Ibe...
      View job & apply
    • 11.05.2026

      Head of Marketing & Communications, Aerospace & Defence Technology, Berlin

      • Location: Berlin
      • Type: Permanent
      • Salary: Competitive + Benefits
      • Specialism: Strategic Communications, Corporate Communications
      About the Role: Head of Marketing & Communications, Germany We are working in partnership with a global leader in sovereign intelligence and satellite technology to appoint a Head of Marketing & Communications for Germany. This is a pivotal leadership r...
      View job & apply
    • 08.05.2026

      Interim Senior Media & Communications Officer, Leading Professional Medical Body, Edinburgh, Belfast or Cardiff,

      • Type: Interim
      • Salary: UP to £45,000 PA
      • Specialism: Corporate Communications, Healthcare Communications, Not for Profit Communications
      Here is a great opportunity for contractors based in Edinburgh, Belfast or Cardiff to work with one of the UK's leading professional medical bodies and a well-known name in mental health. The Role: Interim Senior Media & Comms Officer Acting as Interim Se...
      View job & apply

    Get in touch










      Introducing
      Our Recruitment Experts

      Our team possesses a unique blend of industry expertise, advanced recruitment acumen, and professional assessment skills on a global scale. With an in-depth understanding of the market, we are perfectly positioned to help you hire the best talent that you need

      Meet the team

      • Global CEO, Regional Head of MENA

        Alice Weightman

        Alice Weightman: CEO, Global Executive Search Leader, and UAE Market Expert: Alice Weightman is the Founder and CEO of Hanson...

      • UK & Europe Managing Partner, Global Head of Public Affairs

        Janie Emmerson

        Janie Emmerson: Janie leads Hanson Search’s UK & European based teams. From the London office, she guides and supports their...

      • Managing Partner, Global Head of Corporate Affairs

        Katie Simpson

        Katie Simpson: Having previously spent 10 years in the communications industry, Katie brings real industry insights into the hiring process. Taking her...

      • Managing Partner, Global Head of Healthcare & Communications

        Amy Hayer

        Amy Hayer: Amy brings over 15 years of experience in executive search, with a focus on healthcare communications and international...

      • Partner, European Head of Public Affairs and Communications

        Barbara Ozanon

        Barbara Ozanon: With over a decade of experience in recruitment, executive search, and headhunting, Barbara Ozanon leads Hanson Search’s European...

      • Principal consultant, Sales & Marketing

        Nils Gerardin

        Nils Gerardin: Nils Geradin is a seasoned executive search and recruitment consultant with nearly ten years of experience placing senior-level...

      • Search Director, MENA

        Amanda Dowie

        Amanda Dowie : MENA Search Director Amanda Dowie is an accomplished executive search specialist with over 20 years of global...

      • Head of Interim Marketing and Management Recruitment Services

        Madeleine Weightman

        Madeleine Weightman: Madeleine is Head of Interim Marketing and Management Recruitment and co-Founder of The Work Crowd, the sister company...

      • Principal Consultant, Communications, Marketing & Digital Marketing

        Helena Ranger

        Helena Ranger: Helena is Principal Consultant leading the Consumer division across PR, Marketing and Digital Marketing. She plays a pivotal...

      • UK Marketing Lead

        Daniela Mamica

        Daniela Mamica: Daniela is UK Marketing Lead, working across senior and leadership level roles. She brings a wealth of experience,...

      • Director, Hanson Capital MENA

        Alice Maltby

        Alice Maltby : Director, Investor Markets, UAE Alice Maltby is a Director at Hanson Search MENA, working within the firm’s...

      • Managing Consultant, Public Affairs & Policy, UK & USA

        Peter Ferguson

        Peter Ferguson: As a Managing Consultant in the Public Affairs Practice, Peter advises and supports some of the world’s most...

      • Senior Consultant, Head of Technology, UK and USA

        Rachel L’Estrange

        Rachel L’Estrange After spending six years in Corporate PR and Marketing, Rachel L’Estrange moved into recruiting in 2021 and hasn’t...

      • Head of Corporate and Financial

        Allyson Kurian

        Allyson Kurian: Allyson is a specialist headhunter in corporate affairs and financial communications recruitment, focusing on mid-to-senior level roles both...

      • Senior Consultant, Communications, Europe

        Camille Chevallier

        Camille Chevallier: Having started her career as a comms professional, Camille spent 20 years in senior roles within leading agencies...

      • Head of Interim Communications

        Ben Mitchell

        Ben Mitchell: Head of Interim Communications Ben is Head of Interim Communications and works across both Hanson Search and our...

      • Consultant, MENA

        Lexi Smith-Muller

        Lexi Smith-Muller: Lexi has over 10 years’ experience of recruitment & talent acquisition, and over 6 years’ experience working in...

      • Senior Researcher

        Arlena Butt

        Arlena Butt: Arlena is a valued senior researcher at Hanson Search, supporting the team across Public Affairs, Corporate Communications, Health...

      • Researcher, MENA

        Nevena Ilievska

        Nevena Ilievska: With a degree in Psychology and nearly four years of experience in talent acquisition and research, Nevena has...

      • Executive Research Analyst

        Maja Tomovska

        Maja Tomovska: Over the past 5 years Maja has worked with international organisations and venture-backed companies across product, technology and...

      • Researcher

        Fani Mateska

        Fani Mateska: With over four years’ experience in recruitment consultancy, Fani joined Hanson Search in July 2025, bringing expertise from...

      • Researcher

        Ivana Cilevska

        Ivana Cilevska Ivana Cilevska is a Researcher at Hanson Search, supporting the European team across client mandates and contributing to...

      • Marketing Content Executive

        Reg Wheeler

        Reg Wheeler: Reg is a Marketing Content Executive at Hanson Search, supporting a range of marketing and content initiatives across...

      • Associate Director of Operations & Inclusion

        Robyn Field

        Robyn Field: As Associate Director of Operations & Inclusion, Robyn is responsible for all business and administrative operations at Hanson...

      • Marketing Lead

        Sam White

        Sam White: Marketing Lead Sam White joined Hanson Search in 2016, initially working as an internal recruiter after gaining experience...

      • Internal Recruitment & Operations Lead

        Katie Cubbon

        Katie Cubbon: Katie manages internal recruitment at Hanson Search, while also overseeing office management and business operations. With experience across...

      • Business Support

        Mirjana R.Dejanovska

        Mirjana Dejanovska: Mirjana is Talent Strategist & Customer Success Manager at our sister company, The Work Crowd. Mirjana joined Hanson...

      • Business Support

        Ivana Stevanovska

        Ivana Stevanovska: Ivana is Community and Marketing Executive at our sister company, The Work Crowd. As well as being highly...

      • Advisor

        Michelle Milbourn

        Michelle Milbourn: Advisor Michelle is a seasoned executive search specialist with two decades of experience supporting founders and investors across...

      • Advisor

        Nicholas Watkins

        Nicholas Watkins: Nicholas has over 30 years of business leadership experience that combines successful careers in the media, leisure and...

      Trusted by World Leading Organisations

      Browse case studies

      What people say about us

      Hanson Search’s knowledge of the market is up to date and accurate, they understand day to day needs for their clients, but their real USP is the ability to introduce talent that enables ambition & growth.

      Talent Partner, Blakeney

      Hanson Search is a trusted and valued recruitment partner to MHP Group. They know the business and the teams they work across well and always strive to provide us with the most high-quality candidates.

      Talent Partner, MHP Group

      The Hanson Search team truly places quality over quantity and it’s refreshing. Their robust screening process means that you may only view a handful of candidates but each one of them has something to offer the role.

      Head of Campaigns, Third Bridge

      Hanson Search has been instrumental in identifying and recruiting senior executives for RAK Tourism. They deeply understood the nature of the roles and people we need and provided excellent candidates.

      CEO, RAK Tourism

      Hanson Search quickly ‘got’ us. They were proactive in their search and responsive in their service right from the outset. Very happy client.

      MD, firstlightPR, Paul Davies

      Hanson Search understands our business and is able to identify very strong candidates at all levels.

      Managing Partner, Brunswick Group - Gulf, Rupert Young

      I’ve worked with headhunters for the past 20 years, but I’ve found Hanson Search has a better understanding of how to attract and secure the right talent for our market.

      CEO, Hanover, Charles Lewington