Triathlon Ireland’s Board have accepted the resignation of current CEO Matt McKerrow.

As the inaugural CEO of the organisation, Matt has led and steered Triathlon Ireland through a period of significant growth, development and professionalization during his three year term in the role. In this time, the organisation has more than doubled its membership; as well the number of affiliated clubs and sanctioned events. Other highlights of the period include a dramatic rise in the results of TI’s high performance athletes; the hosting of two major European Championships; as well as increases in the funding of the organisation by the Irish Sports Council and Sport NI and commercial partners Vodafone and Kinetica.

A native of Australia, Matt is heading back down under, having accepted a senior management role with government agency High Performance Sport New Zealand. He will remain in post at TI to ensure a smooth transition from the role until mid-late January. An open and transparent process to recruit a new CEO for the organisation, involving both the ISC and Sport NI, will begin this week.

Speaking on behalf of the TI Board, President Mark Riseley took the opportunity to congratulate and thank Matt for his hard work over his three year tenure: “There isn’t a shadow of doubt that the organisation is in a better place as a result of Matt’s efforts – his successor will have some big shoes to fill”.

“It’s been an amazing journey – one I’m a little sad to be bringing to a close” TI CEO Matt McKerrow commented. “The achievements of the organisation in the past three years fill me with an immense sense of pride; and I thank both all who’ve given me the opportunity to contribute to the sport of triathlon in Ireland, and in particular the many hard-working and committed staff, volunteers and members of the triathlon community who each through their own contributions have made Triathlon Ireland the innovative, modern and healthy governing body it is today.”

Soccerex is delighted to announce a new partnership with CNN International which sees the brand become the official international media partner at the Soccerex African Forum 23-24 October.

Under the alliance, the CNN International logo will be displayed on all promotional material including the Soccerex website, email newsletters, event brochures and signage. CNN.com will also promote the Soccerex Forum through banner advertising. The partnership comes weeks after the independent Media Survey of Global Affluents (GEMS) confirmed that CNN’s television and online services reach more upscale consumers across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia; on TV and online than any other international media brand. On the African continent, CNN is the single most watched international broadcaster, winning seven out of ten of the continent’s key audiences across all platforms every month.

Commenting on CNN International’s involvement, Soccerex Marketing Director David Wright said:

“We’re delighted to welcome CNN International as official media partners for the Soccerex African Forum – it’s fantastic to be partnering with such a well renowned and respected organisation and I am sure their involvement will add value to the event. We’re looking forward to working with them on this important project and to utilizing their vast global network to showcase the African Forum.”

Reme Al-Saiegh, VP Ad Sales, CNN International said, “International business decision makers are increasingly looking to regions like Africa for inspiration and the sporting sector is recognised as a hotspot. We look forward to extending the footprint of this important event to our international audiences via our CNN platforms.”

Vladimir Romanov, owner of Scottish Premier League side, Hearts has revealed he is ready to sell the club to the fans after the collapse of his business empire.

Romanov, who has owned Hearts since 2004, says he has lost everything after Lithuanian bank Ukio Bankas was placed into administration. 

Through his ownership the club has seen highs in which they won the Scottish Cup in 2006 and 2012 and lows where the club is fighting a winding-up order by the tax man over an unpaid £1.75 million bill.

“All of our savings, all our companies, all of our activities were all in the bank,” Romanov was quoted as saying in the Times. “We have lost it. We have a plan to sell 51% of the club to the fans. Maybe it will not happen straightaway, but we would like to realise it. 

“I do not care about the price. It will be up to the administration of the club to calculate the share price. Before, the club always had losses but now they are making a tiny profit and now it does not require an injection of money.” 

Hearts owe £25 million to Ukio Bankas and until the bank’s administrator has decided what will happen to that debt, which could take between six months and a year, the club will essentially remain in limbo.

New Zealand Olympic Committee have appointed Rob Waddell as their new chef de mission.

He replaces Dave Currie, who struggled to contain a media storm around Valerie Adams at the 2012 London Olympics.  Waddell won rowing gold at the 2000 Sydney Games and said the position was a “unique opportunity.”

“It’s a unique position and I’m honoured to have been appointed.”

“We’ve just come off the back of our most successful Olympic Games ever and I’m determined that continues.

“I’ve been to three Olympic Games and experienced them not just as a successful gold medal winner but also as a wide-eyed first-timer and again as an athlete struggling to meet expectations. That broad perspective will help better understand our top athletes.”

Secretary general Kereyn Smith said the NZOC was delighted to appoint Waddell.

“Rob has what it takes to make sure the environment is right for athletes to achieve at Olympic Games,” Smith said.

“He knows sport and the needs of elite athletes, is highly respected and sets a clear standard of excellence. He also has as strong focus on the benefits of sport to the community. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the team.”

Waddell is currently a senior member of Team New Zealand, vice-chair (former chair) of the Home of Cycling Trust and co-owner of a family business.

High Performance Sport New Zealand chief executive Alex Baumann said he was confident in Waddell’s ability to deliver.

“Rob has a depth of understanding and experience across high performance sport. He’s known for his commitment to excellence and we look forward to a strong partnership with him as we plan for Rio 2016,” Baumann said.

As chef de mission, Waddell will lead the New Zealand Olympic and Commonwealth Games teams. He will be responsible for setting standards of excellence, overseeing the planning and preparation of the games management teams and ensuring the athletes and their national sports organisations have what they need to achieve within the complex Olympic and Commonwealth Games environments.

Waddell will be New Zealand’s 18th chef de mission for the Summer Olympic Games. Sir Arthur Porritt (1924 Paris and 1936 Berlin) was New Zealand’s first chef de mission.

The 2012 International Sports Event Management Awards shortlist has now been announced. Many new categories have been included for 2012 and entries have hit a record high.  The ISEM Awards are the industry’s flagship Awards and honour sports event management industry leaders through the acknowledgment of outstanding performance.

The prestigious black tie Awards evening will take place on 7^th November at the Cumberland Hotel, Marble Arch London, where winners will be announced and the sports event management industry will gather to celebrate and recognise organisations for their work over the last year.

Shortlisted companies are:

Event Marketing Award

· Total Sports Asia – Axiata Cup

· HRSM Ltd – Barbury International Horse Trials

· Dubai Duty Free – Dubai- Duty Free Tennis Championships 2012

· Total Sports Asia – Glory Awards

· Manchester City Council – Manchester

· Havas Sports & Entertainment China – Roland-Garros in Beijing

Event Overlay and Facilities Award

· G4S Global Events – London 2012

· PKL Group – London 2012

· Team London 2012 – London 2012

· De Boer International – Qatar Masters Event

Event Look Award

· The Look Company – Arab Games 2011

· The Look Company – Emir Football Cup 2012

· Sport Event Denmark – Giromania in Denmark

· Innsbruck Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee – Innsbruck 2012

· LOCOG – London 2012

· Designwerk – SBK

· Icon – UEFA Euro 2012

· PS-communication – Volvo Ocean Race

· Volvo Ocean Race – Volvo Ocean Race_Abu Dhabi

Hospitality Award

· SportsMark – ArcelorMittal

· Prestige Ticketing Limited – London 2012

· Visa & Sportsmark – London 2012

· Keith Prowse – Keith Prowse, RBS 6 Nations, Twickenham Stadium

· Rugby Travel & Hospitality Limited – Rugby World Cup

· IMG – Statoil Masters Tennis

Best Use of Sponsorship Award

· Total Sports Asia – Axiata Cup

· Fast Track & BT – BT Paralympic World Cup

· Lloyds Banking Group – London 2012

· Havas Sports & Entertainment China – Roland-Garros in Beijing

· Open Adventure – TERREX Adventure Race

· Sprint Nextel – The Sprint Experience

Best Use of Technology Award

· America’s Cup Event Authority – America’s Cup

· Total Sports Asia – Axiata Cup

· BT Global Services – London 2012

· Creative Technology – London 2012

· Production Resource Group – Pan American Games

· Eurosport – SimulCam

· Open Adventure – TERREX Sting Adventure Race

· ACTIVE Network – U.S. Open Swimming Championships

· Volvo Ocean Race – Volvo Ocean Race

Best Opening/Closing Ceremony Award

· Filmmaster Group – UEFA EURO Closing Ceremony

· mamemo productions – GCC Games

· Filmmaster Group – Juventus Opening Stadium

· Crystal CG International – London 2012

· FiveCurrents – Pan American Games

· Filmmaster Group – UEFA EURO Opening Ceremony

Sport City Award

· Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development Limited – Auckland

· Sport Event Denmark – Copenhagen

· sportAgentur Düsseldorf GmbH – Düsseldorf

· Glasgow City Marketing Bureau – Glasgow Sport City

· London & Partners – London

· Manchester City Council – Manchester City Council Sport City

· Victorian Major Events Company – Melbourne

The Most Innovative Event Award

· Innsbruck Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee – Innsbruck Youth Olympic Games

· Team London 2012 – London 2012

· Fast Track – Sainsbury’s School Games 2012

· ONE Fighting Championship – ONE Fighting Championship

· HiVelocity – Sundown Marathon

Environment & Sustainability Award

· Spotless Group Limited – Presidents Cup, Melbourne

· Volvo Ocean Race – Volvo Ocean Race

· Wembley Stadium – Wembley Stadium

· LOCOG – London 2012

One of the new Awards this year includes Most Innovative Event which will be judged by the sports event management community from the Sports Event Management Linkedin group and the Sportscrowd community.

The Outstanding Contribution Category will be awarded on the evening of the 7^th November.  This awards an individual who has made the most significant contribution to the development of the international sports event management sector.

The 2012 ISEM Awards take place alongside the International Sports Event Management Conference. Further information on attending the Awards Gala Dinner and Conference can be found on www.eventmanagementawards.com

 

English Championship team, Nottingham Forest have announced chairman Omar Al Hasawi has stepped down from his role for personal reasons.

Majority shareholder Fawaz Al Hasawi will replace him in the key position at the City Ground.

Fawaz told the club’s official website: “I would like to thank my cousin Omar for all the hard work he has put in since I took over the club in the summer.

“I’m looking forward to taking over as chairman and intend to spend even more time at the club. I’m sure we will continue to go from strength to strength.”

The finest names in the business of football are gathering at Stamford Bridge on Thursday 8^th November for the first ever Football Business Awards. Over 350 places have already been sold and the shortlist of candidates includes some of the biggest and most innovative names in the game. Clubs including Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Inter Milan, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brighton & Hove Albion will join businesses like ESPN, Barclays, Standard & Chartered, Kitbag and StreamUK in an evening of networking, business and glamour.

There are a limited number of tables and individual places still available. Go to www.footballbusinessawards.com for more details and to book your place.

The Football Business Awards have been designed to celebrate excellence and acknowledge success in the business of football. The Awards will recognise the essential role that business plays in football, the positive impact of football on the community and vital role played by the businesses which serve the game.

The awards ceremony will be a glittering gala dinner hosted by Chelsea FC, one of SW London’s most prestigious venues. We anticipate that an audience of over 400 will attend what promises to be a thoroughly rewarding and enjoyable occasion for all who attend.