SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes have hired Nolan Partners, the world’s largest sports executive search firm, to help identify the club’s next general manager. Technical director Chris Leitch is currently serving as the Quakes’ interim general manager.

“The Earthquakes are searching for general manager with a clear strategic plan to build the soccer operations department from the ground up,” said Earthquakes President Dave Kaval. “The club now has the infrastructure in place for long-term success. We believe that Nolan Partners can help us find the best candidate that is so vital to the club’s future. We want to give our fan base a team that competes for championships every year.”

Nolan Partners will conduct the search both domestically and internationally, using a strict set of criteria to find the best candidates in line with the organization’s long-term aspirations.

"We'd be remiss to not look at what's directly under our noses in Major League Soccer,” said Paul Nolan, Group Managing Director and Founder of Nolan Partners. “However, we're also broadening our search toward candidates with football/soccer experience in England, Germany, the Netherlands and other developed European markets. The Earthquakes GM is a fascinating search on a number of levels and is further demonstration of the development and progression MLS, and the Quakes in particular, is making. We'll be identifying, attracting and comparing the best talent from continents and leagues around the world."

Nolan Partners has placed several GMs/Sporting Directors, including filling a similar role twice for Tottenham Hotspur. Last year the group helped fill the role for the Yokohama F. Marinos, a member of City Football Group along with Manchester City FC, Melbourne City FC and New York City FC. Over the years,has placed several GMs/Sporting Directors, including filling a similar role twice for Tottenham Hotspur. Last year the group helped fill the role for the Yokohama F. Marinos, a member of City Football Group along with Manchester City FC, Melbourne City FC and New York City FC.

Co-leading the search is Global Head of Nolan Partners Performance practice Euan Frizzell and Managing Director of North America Chad Biagini. Specific to this sport, the firm regularly represents Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool, among others throughout Europe, Asia, and the United States.