Jeffrey G. Belskus announced today he will step down as President of Indy Eleven Professional Soccer toward the end of the year. He will continue in his current role until a successor is chosen.



“Indy Eleven’s success during the past few years have been significant, and Jeff has been instrumental in the growth and development of the organization,” said Indy Eleven Owner Ersal Ozdemir. “We continue to grow our fan base, have made a well-received transition to the United Soccer League, and made the playoffs in our first year in the USL. Jeff played a pivotal role in these accomplishments, and we appreciate his strong leadership.”



Belskus, who previously served as President and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Hulman & Company, joined Indy Eleven as president in January 2016. Since his appointment, Belskus helped build on a solid foundation for professional soccer in the State of Indiana. The 2018 campaign was particularly successful, with Indy Eleven increasing its average attendance by 14 percent since last season and competing for a league championship in the USL.



“Indy Eleven has experienced several years of solid growth,” said Belskus. “Professional soccer has a bright future in Indiana, and I’m very pleased to have contributed to its growth. I am extremely grateful to Ersal Ozdemir for giving me the opportunity to lead this organization. I’m also thankful to my entire team at Indy Eleven for their hard work and dedication. I look forward to working with Ersal and everyone at Indy Eleven on a smooth transition.”



Belskus will now focus on the transition and will assist with the search for a replacement. He will also continue in his role as a director at the Indy Eleven Soccer Foundation.



Indy Eleven has engaged the services of Nolan Partners, an executive search firm specializing in sports and entertainment based in London, Los Angeles, and New York, to conduct a global search for a Chief Executive Officer. Nolan Partners has extensive experience working with global soccer brands such as Liverpool FC, Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur; as well as numerous Major League Soccer clubs including Philadelphia Union, New England Revolution and most recently the hiring of former Liverpool FC CEO Ian Ayre to become the CEO for the MLS expansion club in Nashville.