REDS APPOINT NEW COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR
Paul Eaton 17 July 2007
Ian Ayre was today appointed Commercial Director at Liverpool Football Club. His appointment is a new position at the Club which will see him manage and develop commercial activity.
He will report directly to CEO Rick Parry and joins the Club on 16 August.
Ian's initial focus will be to work alongside Rick Parry in growing sponsorship and merchandising revenues, starting with the selection of sponsors around the Club's move to a new stadium in 2010. He will also spearhead the development of the LFC brand internationally, particularly in Asia.
It was Ian's extensive experience in new media and sponsorships which greatly impressed new owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett. Most recently he was Chief Operating Officer of Total Sports Asia, a brand solutions business for international sports and entertainment partners aiming to develop an Asian strategy for their brands - including media distribution, live events, licensing & merchandising, and sponsorship. Ian's role focused on developing new business, defining and implementing sales strategy and marketing their partner brands across the Asian region.
Other appointments have included Managing Director of Premium TV Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of NTL Inc, where he worked between 2001 and 2004.
Before this he was for 3 years the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Huddersfield Town FC. During his time at the club Ian developed a marketing strategy and business plan for the exploitation of the clubs rights and developed the vehicle (Premium TV) in conjunction with a major investment from NTL Inc.
Ian Ayre
From 1992 to 1997 he was Regional Director & CEO (Asia) of Pace Micro Technology Plc where he worked with the company through the successful IPO of the business on the LSE and helped the company establish a major Asian business from start up.
Ian, 44, was born in Liverpool and is a lifelong Liverpool FC supporter.
The appointment comes after an extensive global search in which the Club was advised by executive search firm SevenArts Consultancy.
Rick Parry, CEO of Liverpool FC, commented:
"I'm delighted Ian has agreed to join us and I look forward to him arriving in Liverpool. There couldn't be a better time to be coming to the club as we're looking at a bright future both on and off the pitch. Ian has a great track record and also understands the values which make this club so special."
Tom Hicks and George Gillett, Co Chairmen of the Club said:
"We would like to welcome Ian to Liverpool Football Club. He has vast experience in an array of relevant fields for the club. In particular his marketing experience will be a great advantage as we look to grow the Liverpool brand overseas and make the club more competitive on this front. He is a strong addition to the team."
Ian Ayre said:
"Being Liverpool born and bred, this is a dream job for me. I feel that everything I've done so far – in sports marketing, media and technology – has been leading to this role. I've been away from Liverpool for many years, and I couldn't be returning at a better time. These are great times for the club, there are tremendous opportunities ahead, and I'm thrilled to be part of it."
Paul Eaton 17 July 2007
Ian Ayre was today appointed Commercial Director at Liverpool Football Club. His appointment is a new position at the Club which will see him manage and develop commercial activity.
He will report directly to CEO Rick Parry and joins the Club on 16 August.
Ian's initial focus will be to work alongside Rick Parry in growing sponsorship and merchandising revenues, starting with the selection of sponsors around the Club's move to a new stadium in 2010. He will also spearhead the development of the LFC brand internationally, particularly in Asia.
It was Ian's extensive experience in new media and sponsorships which greatly impressed new owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett. Most recently he was Chief Operating Officer of Total Sports Asia, a brand solutions business for international sports and entertainment partners aiming to develop an Asian strategy for their brands - including media distribution, live events, licensing & merchandising, and sponsorship. Ian's role focused on developing new business, defining and implementing sales strategy and marketing their partner brands across the Asian region.
Other appointments have included Managing Director of Premium TV Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of NTL Inc, where he worked between 2001 and 2004.
Before this he was for 3 years the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Huddersfield Town FC. During his time at the club Ian developed a marketing strategy and business plan for the exploitation of the clubs rights and developed the vehicle (Premium TV) in conjunction with a major investment from NTL Inc.
Ian Ayre
From 1992 to 1997 he was Regional Director & CEO (Asia) of Pace Micro Technology Plc where he worked with the company through the successful IPO of the business on the LSE and helped the company establish a major Asian business from start up.
Ian, 44, was born in Liverpool and is a lifelong Liverpool FC supporter.
The appointment comes after an extensive global search in which the Club was advised by executive search firm SevenArts Consultancy.
Rick Parry, CEO of Liverpool FC, commented:
"I'm delighted Ian has agreed to join us and I look forward to him arriving in Liverpool. There couldn't be a better time to be coming to the club as we're looking at a bright future both on and off the pitch. Ian has a great track record and also understands the values which make this club so special."
Tom Hicks and George Gillett, Co Chairmen of the Club said:
"We would like to welcome Ian to Liverpool Football Club. He has vast experience in an array of relevant fields for the club. In particular his marketing experience will be a great advantage as we look to grow the Liverpool brand overseas and make the club more competitive on this front. He is a strong addition to the team."
Ian Ayre said:
"Being Liverpool born and bred, this is a dream job for me. I feel that everything I've done so far – in sports marketing, media and technology – has been leading to this role. I've been away from Liverpool for many years, and I couldn't be returning at a better time. These are great times for the club, there are tremendous opportunities ahead, and I'm thrilled to be part of it."
Ian Ayre was today appointed Commercial Director at Liverpool Football Club. His appointment is a new position at the Club which will see him manage and develop commercial activity.
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