Ex-Ford chief to join Fuller’s operation

Stuart Dyble, a former Ford brand chief and board director, has joined Simon Fuller’s 19 Entertainment as the agency looks to expand.

Dyble fills the new post of head of sport and will be responsible for the agency’s sports portfolio, which includes the Honda Formula 1 racing team.

It follows the appointment in March this year of former Universal McCann vice-president Chris Shaw. Dyble oversees commercial activity for 19’s sports portfolio, concentrating on creating properties around the Honda Formula One racing team.

Dyble stepped down as board director for Jaguar and Land Rover earlier this month. He was also vice-president of communications and public affairs for Ford Europe and Premier Automotive Group.

His signing has been described as a “major coup” by a 19 spokesman, who says he will work alongside Shaw in building sports properties.

The company is looking at expanding its brands and properties into ad-funded programming and branded entertainment.

A head of fashion post has also been created, which has been filled by Jo Phillips. She will be responsible for managing the brands and licensing of icons including Victoria Beckham and the newly signed former supermodel Claudia Schiffer.

Both Phillips – who has spent 22 years in the fashion industry across editorial, advertising, music and brand development – and Dyble will report to chief executive Fuller and president Robert Dodds.19 Entertainment specialises in seeking innovative ways to get entertainment brands into the public eye, such as persuading Channel 5 to use the Spice Girls as a launch icon.

It also represents the England football team and devised the Pop Idol TV format, which has since run in more than 32 countries worldwide and generated worldwide revenues, including sponsorship, merchandising and music sales of more than $1bn (£0.5bn).

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