Gerard Valldeperez Folch | ESEI Faculty 2025

With more than 20 years of experience across multiple sectors, Gerard´s professional journey spans auditing (7 years), operations management at the Barça Stores by NIKE (6 years), business project management at BLM – FC Barcelona (2 years), and his current role as a Sports Strategic Consultant at Trust Sport Manager, which he founded 6 years ago. Gerard´s career has allowed him to develop a unique blend of financial expertise, strategic insight, and hands-on experience in managing high-profile sports business projects. This extensive background enables him to offer deep, practical knowledge in financial management, operational efficiency, and strategic planning within the sports industry.

Professional Background

Currently, Garerd serves as Founder and  Strategic Sports Consultant at Trust Sport Manager. In his current role, gerard leads strategic planning, financial restructuring, and business development for sports organizations. He works with clubs, federations, and event organizers to improve financial performance, maximize revenue streams, and implement best practices in the sports business. He also collaborates with international sports entities, providing guidance on corporate partnerships, sponsorship negotiations, and large-scale sports retail operations. His extensive industry connections and deep understanding of sports finance allow him to drive growth and innovation in a highly competitive landscape.

Core Expertise of Gerard Valldeperez

With a wealth of experience spanning finance, retail operations, strategic planning, and sports business management, Gerard brings a comprehensive skill set that enables me to drive financial sustainability, operational efficiency, and business growth in the sports industry. His expertise is built on years of hands-on experience with elite sports organizations, where he has successfully implemented financial strategies, optimized revenue streams, and led large-scale projects.

• Financial expertise with deep roots in auditing and sports finance. My background in auditing provides me with a rigorous understanding of financial compliance, risk management, and cost optimization, essential for sustainable growth in the sports industry.
• Strategic thinking backed by successful project execution in elite sports organizations. I have played a key role in developing business strategies for globally recognized sports entities, ensuring their long-term financial health and operational efficiency.
• Practical insights into retail operations, merchandising, and sponsorship models. Managing large-scale retail operations at Barça Stores by NIKE has given me an in-depth understanding of merchandise-driven revenue streams, branding strategies, and consumer behavior in sports retail.
• Expertise in revenue generation and financial sustainability for sports organizations. I help clubs and federations identify untapped revenue streams, optimize existing financial structures, and create sustainable business models that ensure long-term success.
• Contract negotiation and sponsorship management. With hands-on experience negotiating contracts with suppliers, sponsors, and key stakeholders, I ensure maximum value extraction from partnerships while maintaining brand integrity.
• Operational leadership in managing large-scale sports retail enterprises. Overseeing the operations of multiple stores and retail outlets has provided me with valuable expertise in logistics, inventory management, and customer engagement strategies.
• Risk management and financial compliance in sports business. Ensuring financial transparency and regulatory adherence in sports organizations is crucial. I bring experience in implementing robust financial frameworks to mitigate risks while driving profitability.
• Teaching experience that ensures knowledge is effectively transferred to students. My ability to translate complex financial concepts into practical lessons allows students to gain real-world insights and develop the necessary skills for a successful career in sports business.
• Innovation and digital transformation in sports finance. With the sports industry rapidly evolving, I focus on integrating technology-driven solutions, such as blockchain for ticketing, AI-driven financial analytics, and digital payment systems, to enhance financial management in sports organizations operations.

Teaching Specialties of Gerard Valldeperez

Gerard Valldepérez Folch specializes in financial management in sports, focusing on key aspects such as budgeting, financial forecasting, cost control, and risk management. His teaching covers various revenue streams in professional sports, including merchandising, sponsorships, and media rights. He also provides insights into developing sustainable financial models for clubs, federations, and sports organizations. With his background in operations and project management, he integrates real-world business strategies into the curriculum, helping students understand the financial and operational dynamics of the sports industry.

Impact on Students

Through his extensive experience, Gerard offers students practical knowledge that goes beyond theory, preparing them for real challenges in the sports business world. His courses equip students with essential skills in financial planning, revenue optimization, and strategic decision-making. By incorporating case studies and industry best practices, he ensures students gain a comprehensive understanding of financial structures in sports organizations. Additionally, his network of industry connections provides valuable opportunities for internships and collaborations, allowing students to build professional relationships and enhance their career prospects. His guidance helps them develop the expertise needed to navigate the evolving landscape of sports finance and management with confidence.

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