Prodigy Search and JM Search Form Strategic Alliance

February 4, 2025 – Prodigy Search, a boutique recruiting firm serving the talent needs of media, sports, and entertainment organizations, has formed a strategic alliance with JM Search, a senior-level talent provider serving private equity investors, portfolio companies, and Fortune 1000s. “We’re incredibly proud and fortunate to collaborate with John Marshall and the exceptional JM Search team, which is regarded as a leading executive search partner for investor-backed and high-growth businesses,” said Scott Carmichael, founder and CEO of Prodigy Search. “This alliance supports our commitment to enhancing the value we bring to our global sports clients.”

“In recent years, the sports sector has become very attractive to private equity investors, and we believe investments in this sector will continue to grow,” said John Marshall, CEO of JM Search. “This alliance with Prodigy is an exciting opportunity to further expand our ability to be the go-to executive search partner for our private equity clients, many of which are investing in the dynamic sports industry.”

As a highly specialized sports and entertainment retained executive search firm, Prodigy’s strategic alliance with JM Search is designed to bring best-in-class executive search services to high-growth sectors of the business, including the evolution of women’s and collegiate sports, sports betting, live entertainment, and youth sports.

“As these dynamic segments continue to transform, there’s a critical need to expand and elevate executive leadership – including key roles like chief technology officer, chief marketing/brand officer, chief growth strategy officer, chief development officer, and collegiate-level chief revenue officers – together, Prodigy and JM Search are uniquely positioned to bring the requisite blend of deep industry and functional expertise to these search assignments,” the firms said in a release.

JM Search is an advisor to CEOs, investors, and boards of directors in recruiting, assessing, and delivering high performance leaders and transformational leadership teams. Its clients include private equity firms and portfolio companies, venture capital-backed businesses, and publicly held companies across North America. Founded in 1980, the JM Search recruiting team brings together former operating and financial executives, investors and experienced search professionals with deep industry specialization, functional expertise, and proven access to talent spanning multiple industry sectors.

Collegiate Sports Management Group Alliance

Just last week, Prodigy Search formed a partnership with Collegiate Sports Management Group (CSMG), a multi-faceted sports, entertainment and media company. This collaboration will expand both Prodigy’s and CSMG’s capabilities across sports with a focus on collegiate athletics, esports, and NIL-related sectors. “This strategic partnership with Michael Schreck and his team at CSMG is a natural fit as we continue to expand further into various sectors of the sports industry,” said Mr. Carmichael. “CSMG’s expertise and market intelligence complement our efforts to provide tailored recruitment solutions and elevate organizations through exceptional talent. I couldn’t be more excited about what the future holds.”

Related: Prodigy Search Fills Senior Position for the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL)

Building on Prodigy Search’s work in the collegiate space, with clients such as the Fiesta Bowl, University of Southern California/L.A. Coliseum, and The Ohio State University (Legends), this partnership will broaden its reach in collegiate athletics. The alliance will comb Prodigy’s recruiting expertise with CSMG’s relationships in media rights, sponsorship management, and collegiate esports.


An Inside Look at the World of Sports Recruiting

As the sports industry has evolved, so too have the search firms and recruiters who find talent for the sector. Kevin Carmichael of Prodigy Search recently spoke with Hunt Scanlon Media about the evolution of the sector, how Prodigy Search itself has changed, and what he expects for the future.


“We are thrilled to partner with the team at Prodigy Search, and the timing is perfect as the sports landscape continues to evolve” said Michael Schreck, CEO of CSMG. “By aligning with Prodigy we will be able to further support the industry by identifying world class talent, while driving revenue and maximizing exposure for our partners”

Sports and Entertainment Specialists

Prodigy Search, which has been involved with the sports and entertainment business for years, is one of the sector’s leading boutiques. The firm has placed hundreds of candidates into a variety of functions and roles. It represents all disciplines, including senior management, sales, marketing, operations, and administration. Prodigy’s client roster reads like a Who’s Who of the sports world. It includes: the Dallas Cowboys, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Lakers, Pittsburgh Steelers, TD Garden/Boston Bruins, AEG Worldwide, Liverpool Football Club, United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Oak View Group, Live Nation, PGA TOUR, Legends, the TGR (Tiger Woods) Foundation, and Endeavor.

Aside from the traditional sports space, over the years, Prodigy Search has expanded by bringing its expertise from the traditional sports business to the “non-traditional” sports space. Prodigy Search has done work throughout the ever-expanding esports industry; sports technology industry; and education and non-profit industries. Today, the firm’s senior partner involvement, high level of service, and transparency of process have presented opportunities to expand beyond sports and entertainment.

An industry veteran with nearly 40 years’ experience in wide array of disciplines within the sports and entertainment business, Mr. Carmichael founded Prodigy Search in 2007. Prior to founding the firm, he served as head of the National Hockey League’s club marketing department for nearly 10 years.

Related: Prodigy Search Recruits CEO for USA Luge

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor  – Hunt Scanlon Media

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