Populous execs behind World Cup venues, Royals ballpark earn EY Entrepreneur of the Year award
June 23, 2026 | Startland News Staff
Earl Santee, founder and chairman emeritus of Populous, and Bruce Miller, CEO and global chair, accept the 2026 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Heartland Award; photo courtesy of Populous
Two leaders from a renowned Kansas City-based, global sports architecture firm are being lauded for their innovation, growth and an entrepreneurial vision that’s creating lasting impact within their industry and community.
Ernst & Young named Earl Santee, founder and chairman emeritus of Populous, and Bruce Miller, CEO and global chair, as winners of the 2026 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Heartland Award, the company announced Monday.
A ballpark rendering placing the Royals’ stadium at Crown Center shows a new vision for a downtown ballpark district and Kansas City’s skyline; rendering courtesy of Populous
“This recognition reflects the collective effort of thousands of talented people who have helped build Populous over the last four decades,” said Santee, whose high-profile work with Populous led to the design or renovation of two dozen of the 30 MLB stadiums — including Truist Park in Atlanta, Target Field in Minneapolis, and PNC Park in Pittsburgh — and landed the firm at the ground level of plans to build a new Royals ballpark at Crown Center in Kansas City.
“We have always believed that great design can draw people together and strengthen communities,” Santee continued. “It is incredibly rewarding to see that vision continue to grow and evolve under Bruce’s leadership and through the work of our teams around the world.”
The award announcement notably comes amid the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is hosting six matches in Kansas City.
Populous’ work is on display throughout the World Cup, where the firm’s event team, stadiums, training centers and branded fan experiences are helping welcome millions of fans across North America.
Fans walk beneath a giant heart sculpture that welcomes FIFA World Cup fans to the official fan festival grounds, designed by Populous; photo by Tommy Felts, Startland News
Populous-designed venues are hosting matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico, including Kansas City Stadium, Houston Stadium, Boston Stadium, Miami Stadium, Monterrey Stadium and Mexico City Stadium. The firm also designed the FIFA Fan Festival Kansas City at the National WWI Museum and Memorial and the Compass Minerals National Performance Center, which is serving as Argentina’s Team Base Camp during the tournament.
Argentina fans sit, shielded from the sun, under a canopy at the FIFA Fan Festival in Kansas City; photo courtesy of KC2026
“As Kansas City welcomes the world for FIFA World Cup 26, Populous’ impact can be seen in the places and experiences bringing people together throughout the tournament,” said Kathy Nelson, president and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission and Visit KC. “For decades, Earl and Bruce have helped shape the future of sports and entertainment while building one of Kansas City’s most successful global companies. Their leadership has elevated our region’s reputation on the world stage and helped make moments like this possible.”
Founded in 1983, the firm has experienced significant growth under the leadership of Santee and Miller, increasing contract revenue from $187.8 million in 2020 to $552.4 million in 2025. They’ve grown the global design leader to more than 1,600 employees across 35 offices worldwide and a soccer portfolio spanning 12 FIFA World Cup tournaments, the firm said.
Miller became global chair and CEO in 2025 after serving as managing director of the Americas, while Santee transitioned into the role of chairman emeritus following more than 40 years leading the practice he helped establish. The leadership transition coincided with a period of continued growth and strategic expansion, including the acquisitions of Fentress Architects and OJB Landscape Architecture, which broadened the firm’s capabilities and strengthened its market position.
“Entrepreneurship has always been part of Populous’ DNA,” said Miller. “For more than 40 years, we’ve challenged ourselves to anticipate how people want to gather, connect and experience the world around them. This recognition belongs to our colleagues around the world whose creativity, ambition and commitment to excellence continue to drive our success.”
As Heartland award winners, Miller and Santee advance to consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards, which will be presented in November during EY’s Strategic Growth Forum.
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