Excel Sports Management Rebrands Nolan Partners as Excel Search & Advisory
February 28, 2025 – Excel Sports Management has announced Excel Search & Advisory, an executive search and leadership consulting practice that formerly operated as Nolan Partners. Chad Biagini, who has been with Nolan Partners for nearly 10 years and led the practice in the U.S., will now lead all global business as president, Excel Search & Advisory. Stewart King, who has been with Nolan Partners for nearly eight years, will lead the international business out of the U.K. as managing director, international, Excel Search & Advisory. Paul Nolan, who founded Nolan Partners, will continue with Excel Search & Advisory as executive chair.
Acquired by Excel in 2022, Nolan Partners is an executive search firm with a dedicated focus on sports and entertainment. Since its founding in 2006, the firm has placed more than 750 executives across six continents and 30-plus sports. Nolan Partners works on a global basis with clients that range from world-famous sporting clubs, governing bodies, professional leagues, venues, agencies, universities, broadcasters, and the major corporate organizations involved in sport.
“Our goal has always been to assist clients in building world-class leadership teams and sustaining them through high-performing cultures,” said Mr. Biagini. “Excel Search & Advisory represents the next evolution of that vision. By further integrating Nolan’s deep expertise and expanding Excel’s global reach, we’re delivering unrivaled global executive search and leadership advisory services, driving immediate and long-term value to our clients. Our goal remains to help organizations win on the biggest stages in the world.”
Excel Search & Advisory will continue to be a partner for teams, clubs, leagues, governing bodies, venues, media companies, brands, and investors seeking best-in-class executive talent. Recent completed searches include: President, Detroit Pistons; COO, Arizona Cardinals; chief revenue officer, Chelsea; and women’s head coach, Arsenal. Excel Search & Advisory also offers leadership consulting and culture optimization expertise, in partnership with change management firm Deutser, providing organizational solutions that build high-performing cultures.
“Nolan Partners was founded on the core principles of trust, relationships, and delivering results at the highest level,” said Mr. Nolan. “We have experienced extraordinary growth over the past three years with Excel and this next step ensures our legacy continues, while also unlocking new global opportunities for our clients.”
Related: An Inside Look at the World of Sports Recruiting
Excel Sports Management is a sports agency representing top-tier talent, blue-chip brands and marquee properties. The agency has offices in New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, Charlotte, Geneva, and London.
Recent Assignment
Prior to this announcement, Nolan Partners assisted in the recruitment of Mike Tomon as the new team president for the Houston Texans. “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Mike Tomon to our Texans family,” said Cal McNair, chair and CEO. “Mike is a proven leader who brings more than 20 years of experience in sports and entertainment to our team. His extensive background in stadium development and passion for inspiring those around him shined during our conversations. As we enter this next chapter as an organization, I’m looking forward to the future of our business operations under his leadership.”
“I’m honored to join the Texans during such a fun and exciting time,” said Mr. Tomon. “I want to thank Janice, Cal, Hannah, and the McNair family for giving me this incredible opportunity to join the NFL. I love working with people who are passionate about their work and love what they do, and it was clear in our conversations that the McNairs love this organization and the city of Houston. Their vision for this team and aspirations to be champions in every way allowed us to connect immediately. I also want to thank my wife, Lauren, and my two children for their support, we’re all thrilled about the opportunity to move to Houston. I know that Texans fans are among the most passionate in the NFL, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Related: Executive Search Gets ‘On the Ball’ In Sports Recruitment
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
