German Bundesliga soccer team Hamburg have parted company with club president Bernd Hoffmann and Katja Kraus, appointing Carl Edgar Jarchow and Hoachim Hilke, formerly of of sports marketing agency SportFive.

Joachim Hilke is a former board member of the club and will take over the duties of Kraus and be responsible for marketing and communication.

The move comes just three days after HSV sacked coach Armin Veh following the 6-0 loss against Bayern Munich.

A note on the club’s official website from chairman Otto Rieckhoff reads: “As successor to Bernd Hoffmann, Carl Edgar Jarchow will come in, Katja Kraus has been replaced by Joachim Hilke.

“The explanation of the Supervisory Board is that Hoffmann and Katja Kraus are no longer heads of HSV. This decision was made on Wednesday (16/03/11). Bernd Hoffmann, Katja Kraus and HSV have parted amicably. The Board thanked Mr. Hoffman and Ms. Kraus expressly for the excellent work done for the club and wishes them both personally and professionally, all the best for the future.”

Sky Sports have sealed a eight-year deal with West Indies Cricket to show England’s next four tours to the Caribbean.

The agreement features all Test, ODI and Twenty20 international matches played in the region until 2020.

England will next visit the West Indies in 2014, with further trips to follow in 2015, 2017 and 2019.

Barney Francis, managing director of Sky Sports, said: “Sky’s first televised cricket was from the West Indies in 1990 and this deal further shows our commitment to overseas cricket by providing four more live England cricket tours from the Caribbean.

“As recent ICC World Twenty20 champions, West Indies are always exciting to watch and very popular with our viewers. This adds more depth to our live scheduling and means Sky Sports has never offered greater depth and breadth of coverage nor a stronger line-up of live sport for our viewers to watch at home or on the move.”

 

Henrique Meirelles, the former president of Brazil’s Central Bank was officially appointed to head the Olympic Public Authority yesterday, March 14, the agency set-up to coordinate preparations for the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Meirelles will coordinate Government policies and public works projects for the Games for the new body, , Autoridade Pública Olímpica·(PDB), having helped to oversee Brazil’s biggest economic expansion in decades.

Meirelles accepted the nomination after meeting with President Dilma Rousseff on Monday and as head of the Olympic Public Authority, will have a staff of roughly 170 and manage a multi-billion dollar budget. 

The PDB was the idea of former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and is modelled on the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) set-up by London after it won its bid to host the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. The new body is set to have a budget of up to US$18bn.

Meirelles, who was part of the delegation that presented Rio’s bid to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at its Session in Copenhagen in October 2009, stated: “My job will be to coordinate efforts of all levels of government to ensure the Olympics are the success that Brazil and the whole world expects.

“The event will be symbolic of Brazil’s capacity to fill the new space it has created for itself in the world.”

Meirelles stood down from his role with the Central Bank in December following eight year in charge, a period which coincided with the incredible economic growth of Brazil.

“This is a project that can change the world’s perception of Brazil,” he added.

“The Olympic Games have the capacity to change Rio de Janeiro.”

Ten Sports, ambulance one of the world’s premier sports channels, has extended its support to the 18th edition of Aircel Chennai Open as the exclusive official broadcast partner. 

The channel has bagged exclusive rights of telecasting the tournament in India. Ten Sports will bring LIVE tennis action as the world’s best tennis players converge in Chennai to display their talent and win the coveted title. Ten Sports’ comprehensive coverage will be telecast from December 31, 2012 through to January 6, 2013.

Atul Pande, CEO Ten Sports, commented on the deal: “We have enjoyed a strong and fruitful association with the Aircel Chennai Open and are very excited to be strengthening it further. Once again, we have kept our promise to bring the finest international events to Indian audiences. Tennis has a huge fan following across the region and our association with the Aircel Chennai Open will give a fantastic opportunity to millions of tennis fans to experience thrilling tennis action from the comfort of their homes.”

Speaking about the tournament’s association with Ten Sports, AshuJindal, COO, IMG Reliance said: “In taking tennis to millions of homes across the world and giving aficionados a brilliant opportunity to enjoy the action live, Ten Sports has played an important role in popularizing the tournament and the sport in different markets. We are pleased to continue our partnership with Ten Sports as official broadcaster of the 18^th Edition of the Aircel Chennai Open.”

M.A. Alagappan, President of Tamil Nadu Tennis Association said: “We are glad to welcome Ten Sports as the Official Broadcaster of the 18^th edition of the Aircel Chennai Open. Ten Sports definitely enjoys wide reach in the region and we are sure their exclusive LIVE coverage of the event will help tennis fans to witness the game from start to finish.”

German sportswear brand PUMA have announced that Franz Koch has been promoted from his role as head of global strategy to replace Jochen Zeitz as the new chief executive officer of the  firm next month.

Koch’s intentions are expected to be to push the company’s e-commerce website in an effort to increase annual turnover to over US$5.5bn by 2015.

Former CEO Zeitz is leaving his role in order to oversee the sports lifestyle division of Puma’s owner, French retail group PPR SA, which also owns luxury fashion brands such as Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, having been appointed to the position at PUMA 18 years ago at the age of 30.

32-year-old Koch told Wall Street Journal: “We’ve gone through tremendous changes in the last three years,” adding his intention to “just focus on the long-term strategic plan”.

PPR acquired a controlling stake in PUMA four years ago, with Zeitz having attempted to close the gap to market leaders Nike and Adidas. Sales reached $3.3bn in 2005, but the company registered disappointing revenues of $3.75bn last year with Zeitz blaming tough trading conditions.

A statement from PUMA read: “Franz Koch…has been responsible for the long-term strategic group development and management of special projects such as portfolio optimisation, process re-engineering as well as mergers and acquisitions. Moreover, he co-ordinated and helped execute the company’s restructuring program in 2009 to lay the foundation for sustainable growth following the economic crisis.”

Puma’s brand ambassadors include Jamaican sprint king Usain Bolt and various leading soccer stars, and the company also has partnerships with a number of national teams.

Ice Hockey’s Red Bulls Salute – European Trophy Finals is set to be aired in Central and Northern Europe as well as the United States following a number of broadcast deals.

The international sports marketing company Infront Sports & Media, acting as the event’s media and marketing partner, has secured a significant amount of free-TV coverage. Overall, the Red Bulls Salute – European Trophy Finals, taking place in Vienna (Austria) and Bratislava (Slovakia) from 13 to 16 December 2012, will be broadcast in more than 30 countries.

The Red Bulls Salute is the final tournament of the European Trophy which in 2012 saw 32 teams from seven European nations compete for the final of the club-level European tournament in ice hockey. The quarter finals start this Thursday and feature the following teams: Luleå Hockey (SWE), Brynäs IF Gävle (SWE), HV71 Jönköping (SWE), Tappara Tampere (FIN), UPC Vienna Capitals (AUT), Eisbären Berlin (GER), HC Slovan Bratislava (SVK) and Färjestad BK Karlstad (SWE). The winner will be played out in the final game to take place in Bratislava on Sunday.

For the first time ever, Infront managed to bring the Red Bulls Salute to the United States, with ESPN broadcasting live. In addition, coverage will be provided in Sweden, Norway and Denmark (Viasat), Finland (MTV3), the Czech Republic (Nova Sport), Slovakia (TV Markiza/Nova Sport), Switzerland (SSF) as well as in Austria and Germany (Servus TV). Additionally, an agreement for international news coverage has been sealed with SNTV.

On the marketing side, a central sponsorship opportunity for the emerging competition has been taken over by Henkel with its brand “Ceresit” (adhesives). As a Premium Sponsor, the brand will receive a comprehensive presence across the Red Bulls Salute. Furthermore, Henkel branding has been integrated on all print and online promotional material. 

Bruno Marty, Infront’s Executive Director Winter Sports, said: “The level of international media coverage achieved for an emerging competition like the Red Bulls Salute reflects the strong fan interest and future potential of international club ice hockey. It also illustrates the boost a cross-national competition – not only on national team, but also on club level – can provide for the sport.  Infront is eager to contribute its expertise and network in order to build upon these promising sportive and commercial foundation in the future.”

Formula One racing team Force India has recruited Sadie Wigglesworth as its head of sponsorship acquisition and media, with an aim to redefining and developing its commercial approach.

Wigglesworth joins the team from Aston Martin Racing and in her seven years with the prestigious sportscar team, she has been responsible for acquiring and managing a wide range of sponsors and partners, including several well-known blue chip companies.

A graduate of St. Andrews University, she started her career at the Vintage Sports Car Club before being headhunted to a senior account management role within the Subaru World Rally Team at Prodrive and subsequently  went on to set up the marketing department within the newly-formed Aston Martin Racing team in 2005.

Wigglesworth said: “I am delighted to join the Team that offers an outstanding commercial opportunity for global companies wishing to enter the Indian market place. This October, the inaugural Indian Grand Prix will take place at the Jaypee International Race Circuit near Delhi, offering even greater scope for companies not currently known in India to penetrate the market. With an Indian business development service for prospective sponsors’ already in operation, we are poised to bring a totally fresh dimension to sporting partnerships.”

Team principal Dr. Vijay Mallya added: “With a strong technical package and the added incentive of the Indian Grand Prix, we believe that we are expanding our potential as a strong sponsorship prospect. F1 offers a proven global marketing platform, with viewing figures, media coverage and brand visibility only rivaled by the Olympics and the World Cup. Within that global base, Force India also offers a unique opportunity to venture into one of the most dynamic and fast-growing economies in the world. Sadie and her team will build on these solid principles to take Force India to the next stage of our commercial development.”

Cricket Australia (CA) today announced that the Rose Bowl Series between the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars and the New Zealand White Ferns will be live streamed on cricket.com.au.

The series includes four One Day Internationals (ODIs), abortion all of which will be played in Sydney, sale starting today (Wednesday) at the SCG.

CA’s Executive General Manager of Marketing, Digital & Communications Ben Amarfio said he was excited to be able to provide fans with the opportunity to support women’s cricket.

“We are extremely proud of the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars, particularly their recent victory in the ICC Women’s Twenty20 in Sri Lanka, and we want to provide cricket fans with the opportunity to see them in action via our website during the Rose Bowl Series,” Amarfio said.

“Cricket Australia is dedicated to increasing female engagement and ensuring that cricket is a sport for all Australians.

“The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars are fine ambassadors for women’s cricket and role models for the next generation of players and fans,” Amarfio said.

SportAccord, mind the umbrella body for 104 international sports federations, has appointed Vincent Gaillard as its new director general.

Gaillard will join from Coca-Cola on July 1, where he has been involved with the strategic planning and operational delivery of Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup sponsorships since 1998.

Vincent Gaillard has previously held different sports marketing roles with the National Basketball Association (NBA), BBDO Advertising and Adidas.

SportAccord has been without a director general since Nolvenn Dufay de Lavallaz stepped down last year and president Hein Verbruggen spoke of the appointment: “SportAccord is a rapidly developing organisation and the range of projects and services is increasing.

“We are convinced that with his professionalism and profound experience, Mr Gaillard is the best person to support SportAccord in facing the challenges that arise thereof. He will bring the perfect skill-set and leadership that SportAccord needs today.”

Gaillard added: “I am looking forward to joining SportAccord at such an important moment in the development of the organisation. SportAccord is a dynamic structure with enormous potential, leading several ambitious initiatives for the benefit of the international sports movement.”

Gaillard continued: “One of my main tasks will be to consolidate recent developments and, at the same time, further develop multi-sports games and various other initiatives. But our focus will always remain to unite and support the SportAccord members.”

The World Bowls Tour and English Indoor Bowling Association have announced a new ground-breaking partnership with Premier Sports which will provide bowls fans with the most comprehensive television coverage in the sport’s history.

Over 260 hours of indoor bowls will be broadcast on Premier Sports in 2013, viagra 100mg giving the sport complete all-year-round exposure on one network for the first time.

Premier Sports’ coverage will begin in February and includes a wide range of tournaments and events on the World Bowls circuit.

There will be extensive coverage of the World Bowls Tour International Open, PBA Masters, National Under-25s, EIBA Singles Finals, England Internationals, World Pairs and the brand new Premier Threes events.

Horizon Solutions, who have a strong track record in producing Bowls events on television, will handle the year-round coverage for Premier Sports.

The subscription sports channel is available on Sky channel 428, making it accessible to over 10 million homes in the UK.

Since inception in 2010 the broadcaster has focused on identifying sports that are not covered in-depth on mainstream UK television but have a loyal and passionate following.

Bowls will now sit alongside the channel’s existing coverage of Blue Square Bet Premier football, RFL Championship rugby league, French Top 14 rugby union, NASCAR racing, boxing, handball and ice hockey, with subscribers able to enjoy top quality live action every week of the year.

Richard Sweeney, CEO of Premier Sports, said: “We look forward to delivering the best Indoor Bowls from around the UK all year long.

“We have been very impressed with the loyal following Bowls has in the UK and the commitment and passion of its players and administrators.

“Now they have the opportunity to really get behind the weekly TV coverage that will become even more extensive if the support is there.”

Peter Thompson, Chief Executive, EIBA Ltd said: “We are delighted to be part of this major initiative for the sport of Indoor Bowls.

“It provides weekly exposure for our top competitive bowlers and showcases the sport, including the new shorter and faster format of Premier Threes, to a far wider audience than ever before.

“This will introduce the sport to new audiences and encourage them to become part of the sport.

“The promotion of the sport is a key strategy for the EIBA on behalf of its Clubs and with the same vision being shared by Premier Sports, Horizon and the World Bowls Tour this partnership will only strengthen this objective.

“I would ask that members and clubs take up the offers available to subscribe so that we can continue to grow and develop bowls on television.”

Bowls has a tradition of attracting strong TV audiences and Richard Maddison, CEO of World Bowls Tour Ltd, speaking from the recent Scottish Open event in Perth added: “World Bowls Tour are really pleased to be a part of this exciting and bold initiative that gives the sport of bowls a weekly, all year round presence on television for the first time in history.

“With Premier Sports, Horizon and the EIBA this partnership in events, TV hours and regular programmes will truly develop and strengthen all aspects of the sport.

“As WBT add to the professional circuit over the ensuing months we believe that the sport of Bowls has never been better placed to face the future.”

In addition to the new Premier Sports deal, bowls will continue to receive exposure on terrestrial television as the BBC will again broadcast live coverage of the World Indoor Championships on BBC Two and Red Button, with the 2013 tournament starting on January 21.