2023 Ryder Cup Signs Old Tom Gin 1821 As Official Supplier

Old Tom Gin 1821, a new and exclusive luxury gin brand, has been named as an Official Supplier and Licensee of the 2023 Ryder Cup which will take place at Marco Simone, in Italy, from September 29 to October 1, 2023.

Founded by entrepreneurial father and son duo, Giorgio and Gino Cozzolino, Old Tom Gin 1821 was created in St. Andrews, the recognised ‘Home of Golf’, and distilled using the finest Sicilian oranges with hints of ginger, juniper and cardamon. The ‘Super Premium’ gin symbolises a harmonious marriage between Giorgio’s Italian homeland and his love for the Scottish town, where he has resided for the last six years.

Having already attained credibility within the high-end drinks market, Old Tom Gin 1821 is set to become the gin label of choice for consumers at prestigious venues and iconic sporting events worldwide, affirmed by this early sponsorship deal. In the build-up to golf’s greatest team contest, consumers can enjoy the stylish packaging and limited-edition decanter-style bottle which incorporates the official Ryder Cup branding and a certified Bohemian crystal stopper.

Giorgio Cozzolino said: “We wanted to create a leading, Super Premium gin brand synonymous with quality and sophistication, and we believe we have successfully achieved that with the launch of Old Tom Gin 1821.

“Having introduced a cosmopolitan, indulgent drinks product to market that we are confident will become a timeless classic, we are keen to begin growing our wider lifestyle brand with additional products that will attract and indulge the premium demographic.

“We are extremely thrilled to be an Official Supplier and Licensee of such a renowned sporting event so early on in our journey – and one that’s so close to our hearts. This achievement is purely representative of the quality of Old Tom Gin 1821 and we are excited for what lies ahead.”

Guy Kinnings, European Tour Deputy CEO, Ryder Cup Director and Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We are delighted to welcome Old Tom Gin 1821 to the sponsorship family of the Ryder Cup.

“As well as being recognised as one of the world’s greatest sporting contests, the Ryder Cup also rejoices in blending the rich history and traditions of golf with the future of the game, which is why the association with a company which links together the spiritual home of our sport in Scotland to our next home venue in Italy, is so fitting.

“We also continually reference the growing commercial appeal of the Ryder Cup and the fact we are able to announce this latest partnership some two and a half years in advance of the contest itself, simply reinforces that fact.”

Aston Martin Unveils Fan And Partner Engagement Platform

Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team – the return of the iconic Aston Martin name to Grand Prix racing for the first time in more than 60 years – has officially launched its inaugural fan and partner engagement platform at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Dubbed I / AM – a play on the historic automotive brand’s initials as well as reflecting the inclusive ambitions of the platform – it aims to further broaden the appeal of Grand Prix racing in order to build and engage a diverse Formula One™ fanbase.

Devised by customer engagement agency Havas CX helia, I / AM represents a commitment by AMCF1 to place its fans at the heart of everything it does – consciously reflecting the world beyond the track, progressively driving the team and the sport forwards, and inviting everyone along for the ride. It aims to build a global network of people with a shared passion – acting as a fan-centric, positive platform for collaboration and change.

As part of this commitment, the official I / AM membership club invites fans to actively get involved in the team. It will give a voice and a platform to all kinds of F1 fans through user-generated stories and behind-the-scenes content, as well as exclusive offers, limited-edition teamwear and once-in-a-lifetime events, competitions and experiences. For AMCF1’s commercial partners, it also acts as a vehicle through which they can activate their partnership stories, tapping into the team’s large, passionate and engaged fanbase.

The I / AM platform will also champion worthy causes with shared passions and values.

The launch of the I / AM platform at AMCF1’s home Grand Prix included a new campaign film encouraging fans to become part of the I / AM community, as well as multiple activations throughout the preceding week. A celebration of modern, UK-made creativity, these comprised a variety of interactive installations, inspiring speaker sessions and unforgettable food, drink and music moments for AMCF1’s partners, fans, VIP guests and creators. Further localised activations are scheduled at other race weekends across the season.

Marketing and communications company Havas UK was appointed AMCF1’s inaugural marketing partner earlier this year, and a number of its agencies collaborated on the I / AM launch. These include Havas CX helia, which developed the platform itself, Havas Studios, which produced the campaign film, ekino, which built the website, and Cake, which developed the Silverstone activations.

Havas was also responsible for the March launch of the AMR21, Aston Martin’s first Formula One™ car since 1960. The much-hyped event aimed to shake up the traditional car launch format, with the participation of rapper Santan Dave, American football star Tom Brady and actors Gemma Arterton and Daniel Craig – both of James Bond fame – reflecting its intention to appeal beyond the typical F1 fanbase and into popular culture more generally.

Rob Bloom, Chief Marketing Officer, Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team, says: “Formula One™ is the undisputed pinnacle of motorsport, and we want to engage a growing fanbase to feel part of our team and the sport. With AMCF1, our ambition is to create a truly modern F1 team – using our global platform to engage a diverse, representative, new wave of fans who reflect the values of the changing world in which we live. I / AM embodies that ethos, and we’re delighted to partner with Havas on its creation and activation. Together, we want to make a positive mark – not just on the track, but in the wider world.”

Stuart Peddie, Executive Creative Director, Havas CX helia, adds: “Working hand in hand with AMCF1, we want to bring a big-brand marketing approach into the Formula One™ paddock. And with a decade of F1 experience under our belt, we immediately recognised the uniqueness and potential of AMCF1’s fan engagement proposition. We’re so excited to help bring it to life, bringing new voices and perspectives into the sport as we do so.”

ITTF Names Steve Dainton As Group CEO

The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Executive Committee has promoted Steve Dainton to the position of ITTF Group CEO in recognition of his leadership and strategic vision for the sport.

Dainton is now tasked with leading all three entities under the ITTF Group umbrella – the ITTF, which is the international governing body of Table Tennis, the ITTF Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the ITTF and World Table Tennis (WTT), the commercial and event business of the ITTF.

Since taking charge as ITTF CEO in 2017, under the guidance of the ITTF Executive Committee, the Australian, together with the ITTF workforce, started a transformation of the ITTF, developing the first-ever ITTF Strategic Plan, which was approved at the 2018 AGM.

Under Dainton’s successful direction, the ITTF’s commercial potential has flourished with the increased revenue allowing the ITTF to grow in different areas. One of them which is significant is the establishment of the ITTF Membership Relations department which has helped double investment into the sport around the world.

He also played a pivotal role in establishing the ITTF Foundation, which aims to elevate Table Tennis’s corporate and social responsibility and ensure the sport truly is for all, for life.

The crowning achievement of Dainton’s success over the past four years was the remodelling of the ITTF’s commercial rights which led to the creation of WTT, the new entity responsible for managing ITTF’s events and commercial business. Launched this year, WTT’s remit is creating a new era of professional table tennis while focusing on growing revenue for the sport and make it more appealing to fans.

Dainton’s transformation of the organisation has also resulted in:

expanding ITTF’s professional staff expertise to provide greater support to the Table Tennis family
greater transparency and professional management of finances
the creation of the ITTF Equipment department to professionalise the way ITTF manages equipment authorisations and communications with its equipment partners
developing the concept of the Home of Table Tennis project
increasing fan growth across the ITTF and WTT digital channels to over five million – one of the highest amongst all International Federations.
Outside of the transformation of the ITTF, Dainton’s tenure has been highlighted by the globally acclaimed formation of the Unified Korea Team at the 2018 World Table Tennis Championships (WTTC) and the successful expansion of the ITTF World Championships which will see the 2021 WTTC being hosted for the first time in the Americas, the first time the event has been played outside Europe or Asian since 1939.

Growing the ITTF has also presented unexpected difficulties, with Dainton taking on the challenge of navigating the organisation through one of the most turbulent times in its long history – the COVID-19 pandemic.

Swift financial management decisions during the height of the pandemic were taken to ensure the ITTF remain economically stable in case events and activities were not possible in 2020.

Due to these prudent and decisive measures under Dainton’s charge, and the successful series of #Restart events inside China, hosted with the support of CTTA, the ITTF was able to announce a 2020 financial result much less impacted if comparing with other Olympic International Federations.

“After three years of initial growth based around our first-ever strategic plan and then managing throughout the crisis, the past 18 months has been hugely exciting and quite often positively challenging. To continue the journey is an honour. Ensuring everything we do is in the best interest of table tennis is something that I will continue to passionately pursue”.

“Our sport has so much potential and on the global level can continue post-COVID-19 to grow exponentially, its especially important that we continue to find ways to increase the prize money for our players, which has been the main drive of our commercial approach. I wholeheartedly believe we are still only just scratching the surface and with a united approach our sport can be truly one of the biggest in the world,” said Dainton.

Petra Sörling ITTF Executive Vice-President of Finance said: “The new contract and title signify the full support Dainton has from the ITTF Executive Committee, reflecting our satisfaction with his achievements and vision for the sport over the last 4 years.”

The Hundred And Sky Collaborate For AR Experience

The Hundred (a new 100-ball cricket competition) and Sky have joined forces to develop an industry first augmented reality experience by creating avatars using motion capture.

Sky and The Hundred have captured players’ full range of movement in accurate detail, which will be used to enhance Sky’s TV broadcast coverage and at home fan experience via The Hundred app.

The Hundred is putting digital innovation at the heart of the event experience, with the ambition to push the boundaries of sport, technology and entertainment and draw broader audiences into cricket. The avatar technology, housed on The Hundred app, is one of the strongest examples of this vision – providing progressive digital and mobile interactivity for fans to try out.

The unprecedented technology is set to be used as a world-first in broadcasting on Sky Sports from 21 July during the opening game of Oval Invincibles V Manchester Originals, from 6pm on Sky Sports The Hundred channel (404). The technology will also be available for fans via Sky Sports’ digital platforms.

The avatars have been created using ‘MetaStar’, Dimension Studio’s hyper-real avatar solution and the AR experience created by Arcade (an immersive experience creative agency, using Unity), in order to bring fans closer to the players than ever before. The idea was born out of a collaboration between The Hundred and Sky Sports in a bid to make cricket more accessible and interactive for sports fans with the ambition of enticing new audiences.

As the Sky Sports on air team use the avatars to enhance the coverage, viewers will be able to bring them into their homes via the app with the opportunity to engage with their heroes.

Heather Knight, Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali and Ben Stokes are just a few household names fans will recognise, as well as Sky’s coverage star and ex-England player Freddie Flintoff.

Alison Crowe, Director of Digital and Data, ECB said: “Through our partnership with Sky, the creation of our hyper-real avatars will bring fans and players together on an unprecedented level. Imagine having a virtual Heather Knight, Saqib Mahmood or Ben Stokes showcasing their skills in your home – it’s incredibly exciting. We can’t wait for fans to try it out through The Hundred app, where they can also vote for the match hero in each game, vote for the music a player will walk out to and test their knowledge with some fun trivia – there’s something for all the family to get involved with.”

Bryan Henderson, Sky Sports Director of Cricket said: “We are so excited to present this incredible technology to our viewers. We have worked in partnership with The Hundred on a fan-first approach we believe will open the game up to new audiences.

“The Hundred will have a bespoke look and feel on TV and the avatars are a key part of what will make our coverage so dynamic. We have worked hard on every aspect of our presentation to ensure we have something for everyone, and I have every confidence the avatars will become one of the most popular aspects of our storytelling.”

Jason Landau, Creative Director of Innovation for Sky Creative said: “Off the back of our success with Sky Scope, our thought process was ‘what can we bring to a new competition like The Hundred?” Thanks to our partnership with The Hundred we’ve been able to bring something to life – quite literally – for fans around the world.

“With a focus on accuracy and authenticity, we have created ground-breaking hyper-real avatars, achieved by using 3D scans of the players and then applying these to individual motion data. Hopefully something everyone will be able to enjoy, allowing them to see the game differently.”

Women’s Sports Group Appoints Steph Harries As Managing Director

Women’s Sports Group (WSG) has announced that Steph Harries has been appointed Managing Director from September 2021.

Harries is currently Controller of Production, BBC Sport. She has 20 years experience working in senior roles at DAZN and the Perform Group as well as Sunset + Vine and North One Television and Sky Sports. She has production, commercial, financial and technical expertise with broad experience of negotiating and building strategic partnerships with broadcasters, federations, Government, rights holders and platforms to extract value and build engagement.

She is also a powerful advocate for women’s sport and helped grow the audience for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2019 to the biggest UK TV audience of the year at the time of 11.7 million on BBC.

WSG was founded by Dame Heather Rabbatts and David Kogan to drive profile and value in women’s sports.

In its first year WSG has represented the Football Association to sell the broadcast rights to the Women’s Super League and Lionesses. It has also led the first successful global launch of the newly created Angel City Football Club women’s soccer team in Los Angeles. Led by Founders Natalie Portman, Kara Nortman and President, Julie Uhrman, Angel City FC’s star-studded ownership includes Serena Williams, Alexis Ohanian, Abby Wambach, Billie Jean King and Eva Longoria. WSG has also advised the United Nations on using sport to engender understanding and empathy and equality.

Heather Rabbatts and David Kogan, said: “We are delighted to welcome Steph as MD of the company. She has unrivalled knowledge and experience in sport and in driving the empowerment and promotion of women in the broadcasting industry. It is an exciting time for WSG and Steph will be a huge asset in driving the objectives of the company.”

Steph Harries, said: “I am delighted to join WSG. It’s an incredibly important moment for women’s sport, with increasing popularity, driving demand for unbundled rights and boosting commercial revenues. It’s also never been more important to focus on the promotion, enhancement and empowerment of women’s sport. Alongside Heather and David, we have a unique combination of skills to seize this opportunity and deliver the objectives of the business.”

Euroleague Basketball And Nesine Extend Cooperation Until 2025

Euroleague Basketball and Nesine, the sports betting leader in Turkey, have agreed to terms that will extend their cooperation to a full decade.

Nesine first became the official national betting sponsor of Euroleague Basketball in Turkey in 2015 and this is the second time the sides have renewed their partnership, extending their collaboration until 2025.

Nesine has played a huge role promoting basketball in Turkey, enhancing fan engagement by offering unique experiences to Turkish fans both inside and outside of the arenas. At the 2021 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four in Cologne, Germany, Nesine had a protagonist’s presence with a focus on in-arena brand exposure and digital exposure. The two companies have begun planning for what promises to be an even more exciting 2021-22 season in which they will further engage with the Turkish fanbase.

“The partnership between Euroleague Basketball and Nesine is a win-win collaboration that has already led to six years’ worth of increased exposure and fan engagement for both parties,” Jordi Bertomeu, Euroleague Basketball President and CEO, said. “We appreciate Nesine’s professionalism, knowledge and shared views, and this renewal reinforces our mutual commitment going forward.”

Since Nesine first joined the Euroleague Basketball family of sponsors, basketball in Turkey has reached new heights with Anadolu Efes Istanbul and Fenerbahce Istanbul each winning the EuroLeague title for the first time and two other teams raising the EuroCup trophy. Over the past two years, interest in the EuroLeague and EuroCup in Turkey have both grown 21%.

“We would like people to be more interested in sports, and for the clubs to have more sustainable success and increased income,” Mr. Halit Gulbakanoglu, CEO of Nesine, said. “We are a tech firm that was founded instinctively to give back to sports what we get from sports. In this respect, we are very happy and proud that we will continue our cooperation with Euroleague Basketball, the most important basketball organization in Europe. We will reach a total sponsorship period of 10 years with our new agreement, and our sustainability goal will be achieved. I wish and hope that our cooperation, which we believe adds value to Turkish and European basketball, will be beneficial for both sides and will last for many more years.”

The extension agreement with Nesine is the latest renewal of a deal with a Euroleague Basketball partner during the COVID-19 pandemic and demonstrates the ongoing commitment of our family of partners to our path and an important acknowledgment of the continuous growth of the league.Back

On Location Hires Three New Executives

Three executives have joined On Location, the premier live events and experiences company owned by Endeavor.

The news comes on the heels of On Location being appointed the Official Global Hospitality Provider for the Olympic Games.

David Geithner, most recently with ReactiveCore and formerly with Conde Nast joins as EVP Strategy & Business Development, Jaime Weston, most recently with Universal Music Group and formerly with the NFL joins as Chief Marketing Officer and Heather Puglisi who joins as SVP, Stakeholder Services focused on our Olympics business.

David Geithner, EVP Strategy & Business Development, On Location (based in New York)

David most recently served as CFO of healthcare technology company ReactiveCore. Prior to that, he served as CFO of Condé Nast and spent more than 20 years with Time Inc. in several executive leadership roles including EVP President of Time Inc’s Entertainment Group. David’s experience is rooted in helping brands in fiercely-competitive markets increase their market share, build digital platforms and broaden their position through strategic acquisitions. Among his many accomplishments, David has launched and managed a series of successful new digital businesses throughout his career. His experience across media and digital will prove invaluable to On Location as the company continues to expand and deepen its offerings, particularly on the heels of it being named the Official Hospitality Provider to the Olympic Games.

Jaime Weston, Chief Marketing Officer, On Location (based in Los Angeles)

Jaime joins On Location most recently from Universal Music Group (UMG) where she served as EVP, Consumer Marketing to help artists, labels and brands successfully manage the disruptive forces of technology and evolving consumer habits. Prior to UMG, she spent 15 years with the NFL where she most recently served as SVP Marketing, leading the strategic direction and management of the NFL brand and efforts across the creative department, fan strategy, advertising and entertainment. Early in her career, she also worked for a number of fashion brands. Her experience across entertainment, sports and fashion will prove invaluable to On Location as it continues to support Endeavor’s owned properties and live event portfolio, in addition to supporting its client roster of major entities and events such as the IOC and Olympic Games, NFL, NCAA and Coachella.

Heather Puglisi, SVP Stakeholder Services (based in New York)

Heather joins On Location with decades of experience in strategy, design and delivery of best-in-class brand experiences at some of the world’s most iconic events. Heather spent many years at The Coca-Cola Company as Senior Director of Global Hospitality, transforming the department and the hospitality assets which it managed, and leading successful operations across the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro, and the Rugby World Cup. Throughout her career, she also led her own consulting agencies, providing targeted solutions to brands and rights-holders across several global sports properties. Heather’s deep experience with stakeholders and all facets of global hospitality will be invaluable as she joins On Location in this newly formed role of SVP Stakeholder Services leading hospitality for the recently won IOC business.

Birmingham 2022 Adds Kuehne+Nagel As Official Event Logistics Provider

Kuehne+Nagel, one of the world’s leading logistics companies that offers highly specialised solutions for worldwide industries, has been appointed as the Official Event Logistics Provider for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Following a competitive tender process, Kuehne+Nagel will be responsible for the safe and sustainable transportation, receipt and forwarding of all the Birmingham 2022 logistic requirements.

This remit includes global freight forwarding, onsite venue logistics, the transfer of athletes’ baggage and equipment on arrival and departure from 72 nations and territories, the transportation of equipment to competition and non-competition venue and the use of warehouses to control and consolidate assets in transit during and post-Games.

Kuehne+Nagel will use an extensive array of technology systems to maintain precise control of the millions of sporting items and event equipment while championing sustainable event delivery solutions. This is in line with Birmingham 2022’s sustainability pledge, which includes plans to deliver the first ever carbon-neutral Commonwealth Games.

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will see around 4,500 athletes from 72 nations and territories compete in 19 sports across 14 competition venues from 28 July until 8 August 2022. As the biggest event ever to be held in the West Midlands, it is expected to attract more than one million spectators to the city and have a global TV audience of 1.5 billion.

Brian Cox, National Manager, Kuehne+Nagel UK, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen as the Official Event Logistics Provider to support the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. It’s a great honour for us to be providing our services for such a landmark event that celebrates and facilitates diversity and inclusivity.”

Tamara Sutherland, Head of Logistics at Birmingham 2022, said: “It is fantastic to have Kuehne+Nagel join us as our Official Event Logistics Provider for Birmingham 2022. They are well known for their highly specialised logistics management, making them the ideal company to provide complex and detailed solutions for this type of event.

“With a strong track record in offering comprehensive logistics solutions for major industries and events worldwide, I’m confident Kuehne+Nagel will help us deliver a safe, efficient and successful Games.”

Commonwealth Games Federation President Dame Louise Martin said: “I am delighted to welcome Kuehne+Nagel to the Commonwealth Games Family. As the Official Event Logistics Provider, Kuehne+Nagel will play a pivotal role in the sustainable transportation of all Birmingham 2022 logistic requirements; helping to ensure that the event is a great success. We look forward to working closely with them.”

Formula E Inks UK Free-To-Air Deal With Channel 4

2021 Heineken London E-Prix will be live, free-to-air on Channel 4. 

Fronted by Vernon Kay both London races will be shown live on Channel 4, as well as available via its on demand streaming platform All4. Taking place on July 24 and 25 at ExCeL London using the world’s first  indoor/outdoor track, the races will receive over four hours of coverage over the weekend with extensive  build-up and post-race analysis. 

The event marks the return of racing to the capital after five years and the first major event to take place at  ExCel London since the venue reopened after supporting the capital as an NHS Nightingale Hospital during  the pandemic. 

Vernon Kay, who has been a part of the Formula E coverage since 2017, said: “There’s nothing that quite  beats the atmosphere of your home race and with seven British drivers to cheer on, the UK fans are going to  love tuning in for this amazing weekend of racing. London is the penultimate event in the calendar so it is going to be all to play for. Fans can be sure of close, unpredictable racing on what is set to be a spectacular  and unique track.” 

Sam Bird, Jaguar Racing Formula E driver and current Championship leader said: “It is great news for  Formula E to be shown live on Channel 4 for such a key race on the world championship calendar. This is the first time in five years we’ve raced in London – the first time in 17 years for Jaguar – and terrestrial TV  plays a key role to put our sport into the homes across the UK at a milestone moment. The ExCeL track  looks like it should put on an entertaining race for the fans as it’s the first indoor and outdoor circuit, offering  something truly unique. I hope the country tunes in to enjoy the close racing and watch Jaguar Racing  pushing for a podium on home soil.” 

Aarti Dabas, Chief Media Officer at Formula E, added: “We are pleased to add Channel 4 to our ever growing line-up of media partners. UK is a key market for Formula E’s ecosystem of teams, manufacturers,  partners and drivers. More importantly we wanted to provide our growing UK fanbase and potential new fans  with easy access to watch and engage with the live coverage of their home races. Channel 4 is one of  UK’s most progressive free-to-air channels and this partnership for the London races provides both Formula  E and Channel 4 to engage with progressive motorsports fans and new audiences .”

Kay Madati Appointed As Chief Commercial Officer By FIFA

FIFA has appointed Kay Madati as Chief Commercial Officer.

Kay, with a 20-year background in the international media, sports and entertainment industries will assume his duties at FIFA on 19 July 2021.

Kay’s experience includes leading teams around the world at Twitter, Viacom, Facebook, Time Warner and LinkedIn. He brings to FIFA his expertise in developing global partnerships, marketing, brand strategies and customer engagement techniques, as well as creative and innovative approaches to digital marketing and harnessing the potential of the social media landscape.

Speaking about the appointment FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said: “Kay’s experience in leading commercial and marketing teams around the world will be a great asset to FIFA in his role as Chief Commercial Officer. We look forward to working with him to cultivate and develop the countless opportunities today’s virtual multimedia landscape offers football in order to fulfil our goal of making the game truly global. We wish him every success in his new role.”

Kay Madati added: “I’m honoured and excited to join FIFA at a time when the global media and sports landscapes are so rapidly evolving. FIFA plays an important role in leading and championing innovation and creativity in and around football globally and I look forward to developing this further in my role as Chief Commercial Officer.”

Kay will lead FIFA’s Commercial division to enhance marketing and digital innovation, in addition to further developing and strengthening relationships with commercial partners.