San Diego FC

We began working as San Diego FC’s ‘Strategic Quarterbacks’ in the summer of 2022, helping prepare the hiring plan and workstreams even before they won their mandate to build a team - and have partnered with them across all elements of their people planning and recruitment since.

This saw EPP’s Partners occupy the only external seats on San Diego FC’s weekly Leadership Meeting during the start-up phase, acting as critical allies and sounding boards, before then overseeing the recruitment strategy and phasing of all roles from President to ground staff and coordinators, Head of School and Academy EVP to Technical Director, whilst also helping create an integrated football philosophy in line with the wider multi-club group.

Our remit was clear: to ensure San Diego FC created one team whilst also hiring 151 brilliant individuals who reflect the community they serve. This has meant building a database and recruitment framework from scratch, conducting several global searches, managing all interested speculative candidates, prospects and recommendations via email, LinkedIn and the club’s own ‘join the team’ page.

Leigh Ann Peeleman, SVP Human Resources, says, “Our experience working with EPP Global has been nothing short of extraordinary. From day one, they weren’t just consultants – they were architects, collaborators and trusted advisors who played a pivotal role in shaping our football club from the ground up.

If you're looking for a world-class partner to help build and scale a successful sports organisation, EPP Global is the gold standard. Their knowledge, dedication and strategic insight make them an indispensable asset to any club aiming for excellence.

Our designated ‘Strategic Quarterbacks’, EPP’s impact extended far beyond search and selection. They are true experts in organizational design, helping us navigate complex strategic issues with clarity and confidence. Their ability to understand both people and organizations is unparalleled and they have an incredible talent for crafting solutions tailored to the unique challenges of a fast-paced, start-up sports and entertainment environment.

EPP Global didn’t just fill positions – they were always mindful they were building a team. From front office operations and marketing roles to our most technical football positions, Dave, Anna, Beth and Jessie understand the importance of nailing both the technical and cultural needs of each role. They helped us scale from 0 to 150 people, ensuring that every hire was aligned with our vision and culture.

What sets them apart is their integration into our leadership team. They became more than just external partners; they were an extension of our organization, providing invaluable insights and support at every stage. Their expertise in advisory, search & selection and leadership development ensured we weren’t just hiring people – we were setting ourselves on a path to build cohesive, high-performing teams within the club.”