Fifa Appoints Simon Thomas As Chief Commercial Officer

FIFA has announced former CEO of the Swiss-based agency TEAM Marketing, Simon Thomas, as its new Chief Commercial Officer.

Thomas will replace Philippe Le Floc’h, who had been appointed FIFA’s Chief Commercial Officer in 2016 and who is leaving world football’s governing body for personal reasons. His initial appointment came as Thierry Weil and Niclas Ericson – Directors of Marketing and TV respectively – left the orgnanisation amid a drastic overhaul by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and his resignation will be seen as a major blow.

As CEO of TEAM Marketing, however, Simon Thomas oversaw the agency’s exclusive rights to distribute UEFA’s Champions League and Europa League broadcast and sponsorship deals while Infantino was General Secretary at UEFA.

Fatma Samoura, Fifa Secretary General, said: “We are delighted to be bringing Simon on board. His appointment further confirms Fifa’s commitment to forge ahead with the development of our in-house capabilities, the growth of our competitions, and the management of our sporting assets.”