Tom Neale has over thirty years of leadership and management team experience across professional sports, tech, military service, and the corporate space. During this time, Tom has made significant contributions to fast-paced organizations, both private and publicly owned, including well-known sports league and team properties.

Tom is the Founder and CEO of Arete Sports Group and Make it Count Enterprises. Arete Sports Group is an advisory services team that evaluates investment opportunities in their early stages that have alignment with the Group’s mission and values. Make it Count provides consulting services to companies in sports, financial services, technology, innovation, and the crossroads where these spaces meet.

Last year, Tom became an investor in the fastest-growing brand in the fastest-growing sport in the country. He is an investor, franchise owner, and committee member with The Picklr. The Picklr is the industry-leading, premier, indoor pickleball facility company. Tom also holds a minority ownership stake in the LA Mad Drops of Major League Pickleball (MLP).

In 2023, Tom served as a consultant for Major League Soccer (MLS) helping launch their MLS Next Pro initiative.

In the private sector, Tom spent part of his career growing Blackhawk Network, a financial service and fintech company. Tom was an integral part of the company during its IPO. He later served as the Head of Global Brands, where he worked daily with some top iconic global brands such as Apple, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Netflix and others. In this role, Tom led and managed a team responsible for growing a $6.7 billion global brands business.

Previously, Tom spent years in executive management roles with MLS. As General Manager of the San Jose Earthquakes, Tom led the club to an MLS Cup Championship. He also served as Chief Operating Officer of the NY MetroStars, now the NY Red Bulls.

Tom studied at Lafayette College where he played NCAA Division I soccer, earning team captaincy, all-conference, all-region, and student-athlete of the year honors. Upon graduation, Tom was commissioned as an Infantry Officer and served his country as an Army Ranger, Platoon Leader, and Company Executive Officer in the 82nd Airborne Division. While serving, he was named captain of the all-Army soccer team.

Tom holds a National Coaching License through the United Soccer Coaches organization. He serves on the Lafayette College athletic department’s Maroon Club Executive Committee and is the co-chair of the Friends of Soccer Committee. He recently helped the college raise more than $3 million for a new soccer-specific stadium for the college. Tom is also an Ironman finisher and a three-time Boston Marathon finisher. He resides in Syosset, NY with his wife and two daughters.