Shorts: Singh, Hull, Plymouth

Navin Singh has been appointed as the new Chief Operating Officer of Six Nations Rugby.

Singh joins the organisation with a specific focus on driving the organisation’s commercial, fan engagement and growth strategy for the benefit of its unions and stakeholders.

Singh previously worked at The Football Association (FA), where he held the position of Commercial Director. His extensive international experience also includes five years as Chief Commercial Officer of the United States Golf Association, Senior Strategy Director at WWE, and Vice President, Digital Media and Strategic Partnerships at Wasserman.

It has been reported that Singh resigned following the governing body’s controversial decision to sell the international TV rights for the FA Cup to the Premier League.

Tom Harrison, Chief Executive Officer of Six Nations Rugby, said, “This is an exciting time for the sport, and Six Nations Rugby is at the heart of this, but it is also a hugely poignant and emotional one for our business. Craig is stepping down from his full-time role due to illness, which brings with it changes to the team. Craig continues to make a massive contribution to rugby union and its people, and he epitomises the values of rugby in everything he does.

“Navin therefore joins the business at a significant moment for Six Nations Rugby. He brings with him a vast amount of experience across the media rights, commercial strategy, and fan engagement space, and will be instrumental in bringing to life our mission of delivering the most valued and respected tournaments in world sport.

“That ambition for our business is supported by all six unions, centred around giving international fans the best possible experience both in stadia and on screen. Navin will play a crucial role in delivering this.”

Navin Singh, the new Chief Operating Officer for the Six Nations, added, “Six Nations Rugby and its championships hold such a strong position within the world of sport and entertainment. The opportunity to be part of shaping their future growth, and work alongside the six unions, broadcasters and commercial partners is a huge privilege, and one I am relishing.”

Singh will have heavy involvement with the proposed new international rugby competition that will be played in the existing July and November test windows.

EFL Championship football club Hull City has announced ResQ as a platinum partner for the 2023/24 season.

The call centre company will benefit from its branding around the MKM Stadium on home matchdays on the big screen, LED boards, concourse TVs and inside the official programme.

ResQ will also sponsor Ghanaian forward Benjamin Tetteh for the forthcoming campaign.

Phil Dayes, Commercial Sales Manager at Hull City, said, “We are delighted that ResQ have renewed for this season to extend our partnership into a second year.

“Two first-team players visited their offices last season to see first-hand their amazing work and customer service, and we hope our relationship can go from strength to strength.”

Newly promoted EFL Championship club Plymouth Argyle FC has announced that longstanding partner Beacon Electrical has signed a stadium naming rights deal.

The Mayflower Grandstand at Argyle’s Home Park will now become ‘The Beacon Electrical Mayflower Grandstand’ with the Devon-based electrical brand lengthening its relationship with Argyle for a further five years.

James Greenacre, Head of Commercial at Plymouth Argyle, said, “The relationship between the club and Beacon Electrical is one of incredible longevity. 

“It really showcases the value that both entities have provided each other over the years, and I am delighted that the Mayflower Stand will now become The Beacon Electrical Mayflower Grandstand.”

“Beacon Electrical are a family run business with the community at their heart which aligns perfectly with the values we live by every day at Argyle. It is an exciting time for the club as we head into the Sky Bet Championship for the first time since 2010, and it is great that Beacon have strengthened their partnership and really bought into what we are aiming to achieve.”

Nick Higgins, Director of Beacon, added, “We are really proud to strengthen our sponsorship relationship with Plymouth Argyle in this very exciting new season back in the Championship. The sponsorship of the Beacon Electrical Mayflower Grandstand is a huge opportunity to showcase how Plymouth Argyle and local businesses like ours can work together and support each other.

“Beacon Electrical is a family run Plymouth business which has been trading since 1976, and supporting Plymouth Argyle with sponsorship since the great 1983-4 season. We were the first sponsors on the front of Argyle’s shirts, and also famously appeared on them as Argyle got through to the FA Cup semi-final against Watford.”

The Royal Parks Half Marathon, presented by Royal Bank of Canada, has today announced the return of British women’s activewear brand Sweaty Betty as its official apparel partner for the second year running.

Liz Tack, Head of Royal Parks Half Marathon, said, “We are delighted to welcome Sweaty Betty as our official apparel partner for our 16th annual race. For the second year running, they will bring their unique energy to the event and participants will be able to enjoy a warm-up and cool-down in the event village led by Sweaty Betty and their expert team. The countdown is well and truly on until the 8th of October and I can’t wait to cheer on all those taking part.”

Melissa Mullen, Global Brand President at Sweaty Betty, added, “As a British heritage brand, it is an honour to work with the Royal Parks Half Marathon, which is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and iconic races in the UK. Our partnership with the race marks the start of Sweaty Betty’s 25th birthday celebrations, and I’m delighted to be doing so with an organisation that truly aligns with our brand values.”