Kin Partners Hires Head Of Blockchain Strategy To Drive Crypto Strategies For Brands, Talent And Property Clients

Leading independent sport and entertainment management agency, KIN Partners, has appointed Rory Woolston to a newly created role as Head of Blockchain Strategy.

The new position – believed to be the first dedicated blockchain and cryptocurrency role amongst sport management agencies globally – will see Woolston identify and deliver commercial opportunities for brands, talent and sports properties within the fast-growing blockchain ecosystem.

Woolston joins KIN from CAA where he worked with a range of sports properties, such as Formula One, Red Bull Racing and Manchester City, and helped define and manage the commercial portfolios of talent clients that included Harry Kane, James Rodriguez, Raphael Varane and Nico Rosberg.

Rory played a pivotal role in brokering the recently announced deal between Crypto.com and Formula One, to deliver a first-of-its-kind sponsorship and NFT (non-fungible token) partner agreement.

Commenting on the Woolston’s appointment, KIN Partners’ SVP – Commercial, Danny Paiser, said: “We are delighted to have secured Rory’s services and add his significant experience of working with global brands and athletes to our business. The blockchain and cryptocurrency space has grown rapidly in recent times and offers huge opportunities for future-focused brands, properties and talent. Rory’s expertise in this sector enables us to help new and existing clients navigate this exciting landscape and deliver impactful and innovative partnership opportunities.”

Discussing his new role at KIN, Woolston said: “The creation of this position proves KIN’s focus on leading the market and exceeding the needs of brands, properties and talent clients in the sport and entertainment industries. That level of ambition is why I’m delighted to be joining the team.

“In the last 12 months we’ve seen cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology thrive and increasingly turn to sports sponsorship to generate brand awareness and mainstream appeal. At the same time, leagues, clubs and athletes have benefited from the surge in blockchain-based digital collectibles, fan tokens and crypto assets as the pandemic accelerated this new consumer trend. There has never been a better time to develop a crypto plan and portfolio and I look forward to working with new and existing clients to build tailored commercial strategies within this cutting-edge environment.”

Since its inception in 2013, KIN Partners has evolved into a full-service agency operating at the forefront of the sports and entertainment industries with a multi-disciplinary team servicing sports properties, talent and brands across commercial, digital strategy, production, PR and brand development pillars.

Working with some of the most iconic athletes of recent times – including David Beckham, Usain Bolt and Neymar Jr, – and recognisable sports brands and properties, such as Real Madrid C.F., and Chelsea FC, KIN has developed a track record of delivering significant commercial endorsements for its clients, harnessing the intellectual property of talent and pioneering innovative partnerships in the industry.