José María Cruz joins RSM to lead new sports practice

RSM, a firm specializing in audit, legal, tax, consulting, and corporate finance services, has announced the launch of its new RSM Sports practice, spearheaded by José María Cruz. With extensive experience in consulting, legal advisory, and business development in the sports industry, Cruz—former General Manager of Sevilla FC—will drive this strategic initiative from the firm’s Seville office.

RSM Sports aims to provide comprehensive operational and strategic consulting, as well as legal services tailored to the professional sports sector, particularly the football industry. The new division will leverage RSM’s four core business areas, offering seamless support domestically and internationally, thanks to the firm’s global presence.

José María Cruz, who brings a unique strategic perspective from his leadership roles in top-tier sports organizations, will build and lead a team capable of delivering exceptional value to the sports sector. With experience advising elite sports clubs and professional governing bodies in Spain and abroad, his team will be well-positioned to provide innovative and tailored solutions for operators in the industry.

Cruz’s career includes early roles as a partner at EY and a board member of Sevilla FC, where he later became General Manager and Vice President. After a stint at KPMG to establish its sports practice, Cruz returned to Sevilla FC as General Manager and Secretary of the Board of Directors before his move to RSM.

He has also served in numerous leadership and advisory positions, including as First Vice President of the Delegate Commission of the Spanish Professional Football League, a member of FIFA’s Player Status Committee, and a member of UEFA’s Club Competitions Committee. Cruz has acted as an arbitrator for the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and chaired the legal panel of the European Club Association. Additionally, he has contributed to academia as a trustee of the Pablo de Olavide University Foundation and as a professor at institutions such as ISDE, ESADE, Liga Business School, UCAM, and the University of Seville.

David García, Managing Partner of RSM’s Tax & Legal division, stated: “José María Cruz’s career has always been deeply connected to the world of sports, as well as to top-tier professional services. His profile is ideal to lead this ambitious project.”

Cruz himself expressed enthusiasm for his new role: “This new professional chapter is an exciting challenge. My experience and trajectory, combined with RSM’s national and international reach, will position us as a key partner for the sports industry.”

Cruz’s appointment comes as RSM strengthens its presence in Andalusia, following the successful integration of Lébeq Abogados, a Seville-based business law firm with 25 professionals and a strong track record in transactions and client advisory services.

With RSM Sports, the firm continues to expand its capabilities, reaffirming its commitment to providing innovative and specialized services across key industries.