Chad Biagini is the President of Excel Search & Advisory and a globally recognized leader in executive search for the sports and entertainment industries. Under his leadership, the firm has completed over 1,500 executive placements across six continents, partnering with iconic brands such as Manchester City, the Chicago Cubs, Mercedes Formula One, and the NBA. In 2023, Chad made history as the first executive search professional to be named to Sports Business Journal’s prestigious "40 Under 40" list. Chad played a pivotal role in the firm’s evolution, serving as the first employee for Nolan Partners in North America and later managing its strategic sale to and integration with Excel Sports Management in 2022. Beyond his search practice, he is the co-founder of HR Innovators, an organization dedicated to empowering CHROs through world-class learning and strategy events. His diverse background includes training in Krav Maga, coaching youth soccer, and graduating from The Second City’s improv program, a unique foundation that informs his collaborative and high-energy approach to leadership. Chad holds an Executive MSc from the London School of Economics (LSE) and studied Business Administration at Harvard University. He remains an active voice in the industry as the host of the Excellent Leadership podcast.