M+C SAATCHI SPORT & ENTERTAINMENT has announced the appointment of Laura Coller as global chief operating officer, a newly expanded role she will hold while continuing as UK CEO, alongside the promotion of Ross Watson to managing director for Sport UK.
Coller will continue to report into Robin Clarke, Global CEO, M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment, as part of the new structure.
Per a company release, the appointments “reflect the agency’s ambition to operate as a truly global network”, bringing together and integrating delivery teams across its international footprint, which is headquartered in London with offices across North America, Europe and the Middle East.
Coller said: “At a time when global sport and entertainment properties are reaching unprecedented audience sizes, investment in sport continues to accelerate, and fan communities are increasingly interconnected, brands require agency partners that can think laterally while executing with deep local knowledge.
“Our clients recognise that culture transcends borders and that it is shared passions- not traditional demographics like age, gender or location- that unite audiences today.
“My goal is to operate as a more connected global business to provide clients with the very best of M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment, wherever they are in the world, whilst maintaining the agility and entrepreneurial spirit that defines the culture of our agency.”
Watson, who has been with the agency for 12 years having joined as an account manager in 2014, oversees a portfolio of sport clients including adidas, Heineken and Betway. As Coller expands her global responsibilities, Watson will drive day-to-day leadership of the UK business, continuing to drive the agency’s sport offering. He will continue to report into Coller.
Clarke noted: “These appointments are about more than recognising two exceptional leaders, they are about stepping into the next stage in the evolution of our business. Ross will continue to strengthen our leadership in sport at a time of extraordinary market opportunity, while Laura has built an outstanding UK operation that has been central to strengthening our global position. Together, they position us to better serve clients in an increasingly global marketplace.”
