Powerful figures on the rise: Exploring the ascent of sports megamanagers featuring Gianni Infantino and Jay Shah

In the world of sports, the role of the super-exec has been undergoing a significant transformation. This shift, mirroring the wider world of business, has seen many leaders stepping into the limelight, promoting themselves, and building a more direct connection with fans. However, as the spotlight grows brighter, questions about the appropriate balance between leadership and humility have surfaced.

Tesla's tumbling share price serves as a parable that these roles can't be autocratic. The same lesson seems to have been learned by the PGA players, who have shown backlash to Jay Monahan, the commissioner of the PGA Tour. Sport's governors, responsible for something precious, something fragile, and something that belongs to millions, must tread carefully.

Traditionally, sport's governors were chosen because of their lifelong service to the sport or as highly qualified and proven professionals. They were expected to curate the story, not become the story themselves. However, some high-profile sports leaders seek to buck this trend, with mixed results. Dana White, the successful UFC president, has influenced new leagues and competitions to have frontmen like Greg Norman at LIV Golf, Gerard Pique at Kings League, and Mike Tindall at rugby's R360. Yet, these leaders are rarely popular when they seek to become the story rather than just curate it.

The ICC chairman, Jay Shah, and FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, have been criticised for placing themselves too prominently in the spotlight. Shah was featured more in a recent video clip promoting cricket's World Test Championship than the players, while Infantino had his name engraved twice on the new Club World Cup trophy.

In contrast, the best referees in sport are often unnoticed, quietly managing the game and letting play flow. They serve as a reminder that the role of the sport super-exec should be one of caretaker, not king.

The warning to sport's super leaders is that it rarely ends well if they become the story. As Matt Readman, the chief strategy officer at sports marketing agency Dark Horses, notes, "Sport fundamentally belongs to those who play it and support it, not those that govern it."

The current President of the International Criminal Court (ICC) as of March 2024 is Tomoko Akane from Japan. There is no public information indicating that Akane has made controversial decisions criticized as self-promotion or undermining traditional democratic processes.

Meanwhile, in the business world, super-execs like Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk have become household names. But, as Ryan Reynolds, a football club owner, has shown, even in the world of sports, the super-exec can sometimes overshadow the players and managers. Bill Sweeney's survival at the RFU despite a vote of confidence is a reminder that these roles can't be autocratic.

As the role of the sport super-exec continues to rise, it's crucial for these leaders to remember their place. They should be caretakers, not kings, ensuring that the focus remains on the game and those who play it, rather than on themselves. Just as in Ancient Rome, triumphant generals were cautioned by a supporter that they are only human. The same advice rings true today.

Powerful figures on the rise: Exploring the ascent of sports megamanagers featuring Gianni Infantino and Jay Shah