Joe Aiken
Executive, CAA Executive Search, Creative Artists Agency
As co-lead of CAA Executive Search’s Global Diversity Hiring Practice, Joe Aiken plays a key role in building a diverse talent pipeline and advocating for their inclusion at the decision-making table in sports business.
CAA
Age: 29
Born: Savannah, Ga.; raised on the Eastside of Atlanta
Education: Colgate University, B.A., philosophy/writing and rhetoric
Getting to Know Joe
Go-to person when I need help: My older sister, Jo’nesha Aiken. She has played every role possible when I’ve needed her the most. She’s been my chef, my therapist, my tutor, my nurse, and even my sparring partner when we boxed as kids. These days, I’m big bro, but I can always count on her to be there when I’m in need. She is truly a woman with a bias toward action.
My inspiration: I’m deeply inspired by my parents and my community. I grew up in a faith-based and values-driven household. My parents instilled the confidence in me to pursue a life of service and purpose. I grew up on the Eastside of Atlanta. It’s a community of resilient people who are masters at making the most out of limited resources. The skills and hustle I learned growing up there are invaluable for me in my career.
When I attend a sporting event, I want … : Good beer, great company, and a win for the home team.
In the Industry
How the pandemic changed my career approach:The conditions we endured forced innovation across the professional sports landscape and created new commercial trends in the industry, many of which are here to stay. It served as a reminder that in many cases, to provide commercial value, you have to be creative first.
Most rewarding about my job: At CAA, I get to create opportunities for the world’s best clients working alongside several of the most talented people in the sports industry — my teammates. As an executive recruiter, I am able to make an impact on teams, leagues and companies one leadership placement at a time.
In 10 years, I hope to be … : One of many Black executives driving value for businesses in the sports industry while playing a key role in sponsoring the next generation of leaders from my company and community.
