John Hillier, a former Devon County Council employee, was Exeter City’s commercial manager at the start of the 1970s.

In September 1970 the new Commercial Manager, "John Hillier, was to leave his job with Devon County Council to start his new post. Hillier set a target of raising £15,000 for the Club in his first year, he would be working in the supporters club premises in Blackboy road."

Believed to have been the club's first commercial manager, he helped set up the club's first lottery which saw tickets being sold as far away as Scotland. After leaving St James’ Park, he worked in a similar capacity for Colchester United before moving to Scotland where he set up a lottery for Keith FC and was also involved in the NE of Scotland Sports Association. 

Mr Hillier also worked for Bristol City.