FA reshuffles marketing and comms management
The Football Association has filled the hole left by the sudden departure of marketing and communications chief Julian Eccles last month by handing temporary responsibility for the two areas to two of its most senior executives.
Managing director of Club England and former communications chief Adrian Bevington will oversee communications on an interim basis, while general secretary Alex Horne will lead marketing and public affairs.
Eccles, a former Ofcom and BSkyB comms chief was brought in by former chief executive Ian Watmore last year as the FA’s first director in charge of both marketing and communications. He replaced Bevington.
It is said that Eccles became frustrated with the slow decision making process that stems from the FA’s complex structure.
The interim setup could indicate that the sport’s governing body is to revert back to having separate heads of communication and marketing. An FA spokesman did not rule out a permanent change but added that no decision as yet been made.
A permanent successor to lead the communications team is being sought. The position is crucial to the FA ahead of the outcome of a parliamentary probe and continuing criticism about its effectiveness. The body has had a tumultuous twelve months following the departure of its chairman and chief executive and England’s unsuccessful bid to host the 2018 World Cup.
It is not known if the association is looking to appoint a director level marketer. Adrian Wells, a former Marketing Week rising star, is head of marketing.
