New Ceo For Macesport
Ben Thompson is to take over from founder Paul Mace at the helm of independent sports communications agency Macesport, the company has announced.
Former professional rugby and cricket player Thompson will move up from his position as account director to become CEO at the agency, which he joined in 2009.
Thompson’s appointment is being positioned as a “new chapter” for the Nottingham-based independent, which was founded by former Leicester City COO Mace in 2005 and works with UK and international rightsholder and brand clients including Vauxhall, Soccerex and the PFA.
Commenting on his promotion, Thompson said: “It’s a privilege to […] have the opportunity to continue the incredible results we’ve consistently achieved over the past 13 years.
“We have proud roots as an independent operator. With our base in Nottingham, we’ve been able to deliver outstanding services in poartnership with some of the biggest properties in the sports industry.
“It’s our mission to seek opportunities to change the game and really set new benchmarks in the sports PR and marketing industry. I’m excited to lead a team of experts who share my ambitions for the business and want to deliver an unrivalled service and network opportunities to our clients.”
Thompson joined Macesport after his retirement from rugby, having enjoyed a professional playing career with Exeter Chiefs and Nottingham Rugby. The University of Exeter cricket scholar also represented Middlesex 2nd X1 and Oxfordshire in Minor County cricket.
At Macesport, he has led on home nations football sponsor activation work with Vauxhall, as well as developing communications strategies for key clients including the NFL, William Hill, Kitman Labs, Air Race 1 and Soccerex.
Macesport founder and MD Paul Mace commented: “It gives me great pleasure to announce Ben as CEO of Macesport. This is a natural progression for Ben, who has been synonymous with the development of the agency over the past nine years.
“Loyalty and longevity are not always commonplace in our industry but this promotion demonstrates Macesport’s commitment to our core values and our ability to recognise and reward the people who have established Macesport as a top-10 globally-ranked independent sports communications consultancy.
“I have seen Ben take on an instinctive leadership role within the business and he is equally passionate about the agency and its future. Ben has the business acumen, leadership, enterprising spirit and industry know-how to see Macesport continue to thrive and carve out new chapters.”
Macesport says the agency’s future plans focus on “nurturing existing client relationships, remaining agile and responsive to the changing industry landscape and driving new business opportunities around the world.”
