Steve Kavanagh, the former chief executive of Millwall Football Club and Director of the English Football League, has joined gunnercooke to launch and lead the international commercial firm’s new specialist Sport division. He shares his passions and interests with The Brief.

How do you like to start the day?

The first thing I have to do when I wake up is start the day with a nice cup tea before I take my dog for a walk to get me active. On the walk I will review and think through my day, so I have the day set out. I am used to my days taking many different pathways so having a structure helps navigate the sometimes-chaotic days that often happen when running a Club.

What’s your favourite object in your office/home office?

During my football career I have worked for three football clubs – Millwall, Southend and Charlton – as well as having been on The EFL Board and FA Council. From those times I have framed shirts and memorabilia that remind me of the key moments.

The moments are good and bad. My framed Millwall shirt is from the John Berylson memorial game. John sadly died in a car crash on 4 July 2023.

Who is your closest colleague?

I have too many good people around me to name one, sport is like that. I should say though that I’m very excited to start working with Darryl Cooke and JP at gunnercooke Sport, getting stuck into the various aspects of work that goes with both running a club and supporting the players as well as getting to know some of the best sports lawyers in the business at gunnercooke.

Do you have a favourite family heirloom?

No, not really. I’m very proud of the foundations my parents gave me that have allowed me to have a career I couldn’t have dreamt of when I was finishing my A Levels at 18.

Though I have nothing physical, my parents instilled both a good work ethic and a need to have a positive impact in the world. This is why I’m excited to join gunnercooke Sport, being able to support the next generation of players and their families in their lives to ensure they’re getting the best deal for them.

What’s your favourite song of all time?

Anyone who knows me will know I hate this question; I am terrible at music. Though, I do listen to numerous sports and business-related podcasts to help me keep up-to-date with current debates and other people’s thinking.

My first podcast on sport was The Price of Football. I have been on as a guest once. I still listen now and often text Kieran and Kevin after to tell them they haven’t quite got a point right – always good banter and responses from them!!!

What’s your favourite play?

Recently I would have to say The Choir of Man, nothing to do with it being set in a Pub!!

Who’s your favourite movie star?

Again, too many to mention but, if I had to choose, I would say Russell Crowe in Gladiator. I like action-type movies, David v Goliath or where the lead overcomes the substantial odds against them, a bit like business and sport I suppose.

What’s your favourite book?

I have never been a great reader, too busy doing work emails! I tend to search the internet for the latest sports or business news.

What book are you reading right now?

I tend to read when I’m on holiday, but my last trip was skiing so reading a book wasn’t really possible, either too cold on a chair lift or too dangerous on a black run.

What book do you wish you had written?

I actually helped write The ICAEW Industry Guide to The Travel Industry which was published in the 90’s before I got into the Football Industry. I probably should now write a novel about the Football Industry, although I think Ted Lasso has taken that space – though I do have many funny and unbelievable stories of what really happened behind the Boardroom doors.

What’s the greatest invention of all time?

In modern times, given the impact it has had on the world in my time, I would say the internet, although beer comes a close second!!

Is there a sport you wish you could play?

I would have loved to have had the ability to play football to a higher level, although my knees (and lack of ability) have ended that dream. Playing Golf to a much higher level would be cool as well.

Who inspires you in business?

My inspirations come from some of the great people, and I have worked with. I’m not going to mention them in case I upset someone by not including them, but I have seen and experienced some truly inspirational leaders of people and hope to have had half the positive impact on people who have worked with me.

In the office do you dress up, dress down or somewhere in between?

I used to be shirt and tie but that is now really old school. I do like to put a suit on in most business environments but have started dropping the tie, otherwise I’m more of a business casual guy.

Where do you go to relax?

I like to walk my dog in the countryside where I live or go to Portugal, as my wife’s family are Portuguese. I am trying to learn the language, but I wouldn’t say that is relaxing as it’s a very hard language.

What country have you always wanted to visit?

I like to think I have been lucky enough that I have been able to visit many countries and experience different cultures. I haven’t been to Australia or New Zealand – when they shorten the flight, I would like to get there.

Besides your phone, what do you always have with you?

Well, that’s a tough question given what phones have become, and I am going to avoid a cheesy answer, so keys!!

What’s the best part of your job?

I have been extremely fortunate to have experienced so many unbelievable sporting events and had access to dressing rooms and training grounds, seeing sport up close.

Two playoff final wins, both in dramatic circumstances (Southend and Millwall) and being pitch-side when we won League 1 (Charlton). Then there are FA Cup finals and England matches in the Royal Box and handing the medals out at EFL Wembley Finals.

Through my jobs in football, I know some incredible people and I have witnessed some very good times indeed. I have been very privileged to have the roles I have had.

How do you unwind after work?

I like to play golf (badly) and taking my wife and dog to the pub. I have played golf badly for many years, golf is about constant practise and consistency, a bit like business.

Finally, what’s your guilty pleasure?

I try not to feel guilty. If you enjoy something then enjoy it.

Whilst as football CEO you passionately support the club you work for, that doesn’t mean you don’t quietly have a place for your childhood team, and the clubs you previously worked at. At times, some conflicts existed, and your current team would always have priority, but there is a guilty pleasure in there sometimes.

Visit

• gunnercooke

• Connect with Steve Kavanagh via LinkedIn