Michael Nikolaus is in his 19th season with the Browns and the Haslam Sports Group (HSG). He joined the Browns as the Director of Administration in 2007 and was promoted to Chief Human Resources Officer in 2014. Nikolaus has been part of an HSG leadership team that has seen exponential growth as the organization owns and operates the Cleveland Browns, Major League Soccer's Columbus Cr and the Milwaukee Bucks.
In his role with HSG, Nikolaus is responsible for developing and implementing human resources strategies aligned with the overall organizational goals through analyzing workforce trends, and devising plans to address future human resource needs before they arise. Nikolaus plays a crucial role in talent acquisition including interviewing, screening and onboarding new hires, ensuring that HSG is acquiring and retaining exceptional talent across the Browns and the Crew.
Nikolaus has also played a key role in overseeing the introduction of key Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiatives and programs, including the HSG Diversity & Opportunity Fellowship and the Bill Willis Coaching Fellowship, both of which have led to full-time hires across the organization on both the business and football side. The Diversity & Opportunity fellowship program provides experience in one or more sports business disciplines across both the Cleveland Browns and Columbus Crew over 12 months to help participants launch a successful career in the sports industry. The Bill Willis Coaching Fellowship provides opportunities for a rising minority coach with a focus on the offensive side of the ball.
Nikolaus also oversees the Human Resources department with the Columbus Crew, who were purchased by the Haslam Family and brought into the Haslam Sports Group organization in January of 2019, most recently winning the MLS Cup in 2020 and 2023.
Nikolaus was named a finalist by Crain's Cleveland Business in 2020 for their "Excellence in HR" award. Under Nikolaus the Browns were honored for their commitment to diversity in 2022, winning the inaugural John B. Wooten award for their diverse workplace environment.
Prior to the Browns, Nikolaus graduated from Baldwin Wallace University where he earned his bachelor's degree in business administration and accounting and went on to obtain his CPA, he then spent eight years in the Audit practice at Arthur Andersen from 1995 to 2003, as well as a four-year stint as a Human Resources Manager at Grant Thornton LLP.
Nikolaus is a native of Mansfield, Ohio. He currently resides in Brunswick with his wife, Marti, and has one daughter, Ella, and one son, Jake.
