Ear To The Ground Announces Adelsberg As Ceo Amid Leadership Restructure

Ear to the Ground, Agency of the Year at the Sport Industry Awards 2021, has appointed Richard Adelsberg (above) as its new global CEO.

The news comes on the back of a record year for the agency, and following the announcement of its international expansion plans.

The Fan Intelligence creative agency – which specialises in using sport, esports and gaming to build brands that lead culture – saw revenues grow by over 30% and net profits triple in 2020, with a significant emphasis on international client work and team expansion at over 50%.

The agency says its growth trajectory is a direct result of its investment in its Fan Intelligence approach to insight, strategy, and creative, which has seen major global brands from across the east and west coast of America retained as clients. 

Adelsberg, who was appointed Managing Director in 2017, will continue to work alongside Owen Laverty and Dolan Hewison, who assume new roles of Chief Innovation Officer and Managing Director, respectively. Founder, Steve Smith, will remain in his role on the board as Chairman.

In addition, the agency has also announced some major senior changes to strengthen the company’s leadership, including the creation of new Managing Partner positions for Head of People and Culture, Gemma Longfellow; Executive Creative Director, John Parker; Client Services Director, Matt Inston; and Financial Controller, Alex Rowlands.

Meanwhile, Marketing and New Business Director, Kat Toland; Head of Creative Delivery, Leanne Kilheeney; Head of Fan Intelligence, Becky Stuart; Head of Digital, Carl Lawrence; Group Account Director, Jo Bailey; and Head of Operations, Corina Boyle will form the agency’s wider Senior Management Team.

Commenting on the structural changes, Richard Adelsberg, CEO Ear to the Ground said: “The success of the past few years has afforded us to grow and evolve quickly. The pandemic was undoubtedly one of the most challenging moments as MD, but the journey we took as a team to invest and achieve unprecedented growth is the biggest highlight of my career.

“My new role as CEO will ensure that we consolidate our reputation of delivering industry leading work with our valued existing clients, as we look to expand our offer internationally. It’s an exciting time for the industry as sport, esports and gaming show no signs of slowing down in their potential to impact culture and the most important brands in the world.”

Owen Laverty, Chief Innovation Officer Ear to the ground added: “I’m delighted we have such a talented and driven senior team to help us enter this next phase. In my role as Chief innovation officer, I will work alongside Rich to ensure Fan Intelligence is forever evolving, so that we continue to stay at the forefront of the industry.”