ECB director quits after one year

The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is searching for a marketing chief following commercial director Mark Sibley’s decision to leave after only one year.

Sibley is returning to Interpublic Group-owned sports and marketing company Octagon as vice-president for its television rights arm Octagon CSI. Sibley, who took over from ECB veteran marketer Terry Blake last year, was made redundant from Octagon CSI (MW May 1, 2003).

Sibley will serve three months notice before he joins Octagon. The organisation is still searching for a primary sponsor for its Twenty20 Cup tournament after mobile phone retailer Carphone Warehouse withdrew following complications with existing sponsor npower (MW February 5).

Sibley failed to sign a sponsor for the flagship National League in his first year at the ECB, although he managed to sign up Totesport for the naming rights in March (MW March 25).

Sibley will report to Chris Guinness, who will be appointed president of Octagon CSI. Guinness will join from sports rights company CSS Stellar. Guinness and Sibley will take over the reins of CSI following the departure of chief Karl Bistany later this summer.

Octagon insiders claim Bistany was frustrated at the lack of support from parent IPG.