ecap Appoints Seasoned Sports, Tourism and Entertainment Executive, Mark Allen, as Head of UK and European Operations
Focus on Professional Talent Acquisition and Leadership Development
Executive search and leadership development consultancy, ecap, announces that Mark Allen will lead the build of the UK and European executive search and human capital consulting services as Managing Partner and Global Practice Lead for Sports, Leisure and Entertainment.
After another year of significant growth, this appointment marks a further major investment from the Monstarlab Group since the acquisition of ecap in 2021, and a new era of professional talent acquisition and leadership development in Sports, Leisure and Entertainment as well as Tourism and Hospitality.
ecap supported Monstarlab with its establishment in the UAE in 2019. Since then, the acquisition has helped Monstarlab and ecap achieve its joint ambition of driving digital transformation for the organisations they work with, by combining the right talent and world-leading technology. Monstarlab and ecap now work together to provide customers with the platform they need for success through digitalisation across the MENA region and in international markets.
As Academy Director for almost ten years at Manchester City Football Club, Mark oversaw the identification and development of players such as Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho and many others who are now playing across the English Premier League and other major leagues across Europe.
Following this, Mark worked as Sporting Director at Swansea City and the Director of Football at Glasgow Rangers FC, where he was responsible for the recruitment of Steven Gerrard as Manager. During his tenure at Rangers, he oversaw all football operations and was integral to the rebuild agenda which managed to secure European Football their 55th league title and halt Celtics stranglehold on the Scottish Premier league.
Regarding his appointment, Mark says,
”My decision to join ecap was based on the clear and cohesive vision articulated by the company, coupled with the excellent synergies I observed across the Group.
I’m excited to apply the hands-on experience in Leadership roles I’ve had in the field as well as insider knowledge of the practical application and criteria needed for them. This will help identify the best talent and advise where necessary on organisational structure, team dynamics and operational practice.
Entertainment, Sport, and particularly Football, will always be in my blood and I’m looking forward to the challenges and the opportunity to contribute to the industries that have served me so well for the past 30 years.”
ecap are a truly integrated people and technology business. As Covid rapidly accelerated digital opportunities and the agenda of Sports, especially within Football, the company is poignantly placed to deliver what the market needs, world-class people through a structured and professional process.
The wider Monstarlab group will also leverage Mark’s expertise and leadership with the latest cutting-edge technology, helping clients foster a digital culture with transformational results.
Managing Director and Founder at ecap, Daniel Murphy, says,
“We are delighted to welcome Mark to ecap and the wider Monstarlab family. Mark has extensive experience in the sports and entertainment industry and a proven track record of building successful teams both on and off the pitch, his ethics and integrity align with the core foundations on which the success of ecap is built.
This is a huge opportunity for the sector and a further commitment to quality for our clients.
Mark’s appointment represents an investment in the development of building world-class teams globally as the Industry sectors mature and evolve.”
About ecap:
With more than forty years of experience in leadership assessment and board level placement, at ecap, we believe that people are your greatest asset.
That’s why we built a business to help you hire, restructure, develop, and retain your assets. We deliver true leadership advisory solutions for Boards, Executive teams, Government, and Investors.
We will connect you with our global team of experts with extensive experience in leadership assessment, people consulting, senior, specialist, and niche executive appointments.
We also build and deliver targeted talent assessment programs, giving you the insight and confidence to make effective decisions and implement optimal structures.
For more information please contact:
Louise Goodfield, Media Executive
media@teamecap.com
