Based in the Philadelphia office, Phil Murphy leads Spencer Stuart’s Financial Officer Practice in North America. He also co-leads the Sports Business Practice in North America and is a member of the Consumer Practice.

Wide-ranging experience

  • Phil focuses on chief financial officer and other senior-level finance assignments for companies across a broad range of sectors, including consumer products, hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, media, technology and professional services companies. His clients include large multinationals, midcap and private equity-sponsored companies.
  • Phil’s clients in the sports world have included organizations in professional football, basketball, baseball, soccer, hockey, tennis, golf, and the Olympic movement. He has also led numerous executive searches in intercollegiate athletics for university athletic departments and conferences. Additionally, he has done considerable work for sports agencies and media companies.
  • Phil brings an on-the-field perspective to his role, having served as captain of the varsity men’s soccer team at the University of Notre Dame, where he was recognized as a first-team Academic All-American and a two-time Most Valuable Player for the Fighting Irish.
  • Before entering the executive search industry, Phil served for several years in the corporate finance practices of Arthur Andersen and Deloitte. He managed all aspects of M&A transaction execution, including the development of financial analyses, marketing strategies, information memoranda, management presentations, contract negotiations and due diligence.

Phil graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s of business administration in finance from the University of Notre Dame. He also holds an M.B.A. from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a Palmer Scholar. He earned his Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 2004. Phil is a three-time recipient of Spencer Stuart’s Lou Rieger Quality Award, which is presented annually to recognize select Consultants for high-quality work and superior client service.

Practice Areas