Ebru Köksal RC 86 Leads In Creating A More Equitable Football Industry
“Sports has an extraordinary power to challenge stereotypes, promote inclusivity and redefine what leadership looks like.”
Ebru Köksal is a non executive director (NED), working with a range of organisations across public, private and voluntary sectors and also the chair of the international NGO Women in Football. She was Turkey’s first female CEO of a men’s football club, namely Galatasaray.
Any memories from the times you played basketball at RC?
I remember vividly the sense of belonging and the camaraderie that sports created. Mr. Cameron and Mr. Phillips taught us discipline and teamwork, but also resilience, how to bounce back after a loss, how to show up for each other no matter what. From our class, we were eight members on the team and we are still closest friends for life.
Your career includes many sports-related firsts. Which of these have been particularly fulfilling for you, and why?
Becoming the first female CEO of a men’s football club in Turkey and one of the first in Europe was both the most challenging and the most fulfilling milestone of my career. Leading Galatasaray was an incredible honour but also a profound test of resilience and courage. It opened the door for other women to aspire to leadership roles in football and breaking barriers in a traditionally male dominant industry remains one of my greatest sources of pride.
Being the “first” or the “only” one has never been what mattered most, ensuring that you are not the “last” is the real legacy.
Equally fulfilling has been my work with Women in Football, a UK-based NGO with over 12,000 members worldwide. Through our leadership programmes and advocacy, we help women develop their skills, thrive in football and reach senior roles, building a more inclusive and equitable industry for generations to come.
How did RC impact your leadership journey?
The school’s emphasis on critical thinking, community service and forward thinking laid the foundation for my leadership style. I learned to challenge norms respectfully, to lead with integrity and to value collaboration over competition. These principles have guided me through every boardroom and strategic role in my career.
In what ways can sports contribute to gender equality?
When women are visible as players, coaches, executives and leaders of sports organizations, they inspire a new generation to believe that anything is possible.
What advice would you give to RC students or graduates considering a career in sports management?
If you’re passionate about sports and curious about the business behind it, sports management can be an incredibly dynamic career. My advice: start by understanding the whole ecosystem from athletes to governing bodies, media to sponsors. The industry needs visionary leaders, who combine business acumen with purpose and heart and I believe RC graduates are uniquely equipped to rise to that challenge. Barriers exist to be broken. If you love the game, there’s always a way to make your entry and leave your lasting mark.
