First marketing director selected as FA goes for commercial goals

The Football Association has taken on its first marketing director to spearhead chief executive Adam Crozier’s new branding and marketing offensive. Paul Barber joins football’s governing body next month from Barclays Bank, where he was director of communications for the retail division.

Phil Carling, who has been FA commercial director for almost five years, will report to him.

Barber will take charge of all the FA’s marketing and commercial operations – including ticketing, the 27,000-strong England Members Club, and event management.

Crozier gained approval for his three-year plan from the FA management board two months ago (MW March 23) and restructured the operation to give it greater marketing focus.

Barber said: “Carling and his team have done a great job in maximising the FA’s commercial activities. I will be working closely with him and Adam Crozier to develop our marketing strategy.

“This is a massive opportunity to exploit some of the biggest brands in world football – the FA Cup and the England national team.”

Barber, who has been working for the FA part-time as an adviser on the bid for the 2006 World Cup, previously worked in marketing at Inchcape and Abbey National.