ISL’s Kirton quits to head Craigie Taylor expansion

Glen Kirton, head of marketing at global sports agency and ISL-owner the ISMM Group, has quit to spearhead Craigie Taylor International’s worldwide expansion.

Craigie Taylor has ambitious plans for its sports sponsorship division, which recently secured the &£30m Manchester United shirt deal for Vodafone, and handles the United Racecourses and LG Electronics businesses.

As international director, Kirton will be responsible for developing the agency’s global drive, with a particular focus on football.

Kirton joined ISL in 1996 as senior vice-president of football. He was promoted to managing director of marketing for ISMM earlier this year and sat on the board.

He previously spent 15 years at the English Football Association and was tournament director of the Euro 96 football championships.

Craigie Taylor managing director Kate Waterfall says: “Kirton is one of the most respected figures in sports marketing and will help us to develop substantially our overseas and football business, in addition to acting as a consultant across our sports division.”

His departure follows the exit of ISL international vice-president of sales and marketing Carl Williams, who quit to join global digital entertainment company Quokka Sports (MW March 2). Williams reported to Kirton.

ISL handles all the marketing rights for football’s world governing body Fifa – including the World Cup – and European body Uefa, which runs the European Championships.