Dentsu’s MKTG Sports + Entertainment has launched a PR and talent marketing division, and made a slew of appointments and promotions to the agency.
The agency has also implemented a centralised approach to its brand and rights holder servicing with increased production capabilities and a strengthened in-stadium sports presentation team.
Matt Connell, APAC MD of MKTG Sports + Entertainment, is confident in the agency’s new phase. He said: “Our strengthened and new offerings, combined with a refreshed organisation design that puts our customers at the centre of what we do, will create new and exciting value for our clients, partners, and our people.”
Matt Connell
The PR and talent marketing team will be led by Stephanie Rudnick, who has overseen the personal brands of athletes, sports leagues, and recording artists, and is also the head of PR for Angel City Football Club in LA. She joined MKTG in January 2021.
“Our sports PR offering, led by Steph Rudnick, is poised to redefine how brands connect with their audiences,” Connell said. “Steph’s understanding of our market, in just her three years living here, and her vast network will be of great benefit to our current clients as well as teams, athletes, rights holders and brands across the region.”
Meanwhile, Ross Allen will lead MKTG’s creative services offering within the integrated marketing services team overseen by GM Jarrad Provis, plus Josh Hall has joined the team as art director.
Left to right: Ross Allen, Stephanie Rudnick, Jarrad Provis, and Briana Doyle
Briana Doyle has been promoted to general manager to lead the transformation of the centralised servicing and delivery unit, the partnerships and events team.
The agency has also enhanced its sports presentation offering and promoted Monique Horan to lead the charge. She has been with MKTG for over seven years.
Rachael Sharratt steps into the newly created head of client services role. Her most recent role saw her leading complex commercial partnerships as a senior lead on the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 team.
Left to right: Steve Whately, Monique Horan and Rachael Sharratt
Doyle welcomed Sharratt’s appointment, and said she is “well-equipped to lead the team to continue their incredible work on current and prospective clients” following the success of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Finally, Steve Whately has been hired in the newly-created role of head of business solutions. He joins from Greenroom Digital, where he was general manager across Australia and New Zealand. Whately has held senior commercial roles with Nielsen Sports, the Australian Sports Commission, and KPMG.
GM Jarrad Provis said Whately, “will play a vital role in driving growth for MKTG through solutions for our clients that leverage the full potential of our integrated capabilities.”