BIA Sports is an investment firm led by successful entrepreneurs Kyril Louis-Dreyfus & Juan Sartori and ran on a day to day basis by Tom Burwell.

The brief was to identify a CFOO who could oversee the financial operation at AFC Sunderland whilst supporting the wider portfolio. This individual would also play an integral role in the identification & acquisition of further sports properties whilst overseeing the financial due diligence pre purchase. Identifying a high impact but low ego individual was imperative. They also needed a candidate who could be adaptable, dynamic and resilient. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills were essential given the breadth of stakeholders involved.

Elevate conducted a global search, looking at candidates from a broad range of sports, entertainment & lifestyle businesses. Fit was critical, so there was a relentless focus on the style and tone displayed by candidates, to ensure they could flourish in a complex, fast-paced and at times challenging environment. After a thorough and comprehensive process, BIA Sports identified three appointable candidates with Mike Papadimitriou their number one.