ESA member CSM, the global integrated marketing and brand experience agency, has expanded its Rights leadership team with the appointment of Charlie McEwen, the former COO of The British & Irish Lions.
McEwen, a recognised industry leader, spent nine years with the Lions overseeing the day-to-day management of the business including strategy, operations, brand, commercial, digital and communications helping to grow the Lions’ reputation and delivering the highly successful Tour to New Zealand in 2017. Prior to being promoted to COO, McEwen was the Commercial Director for both the Lions and PRO12.
Matt Vandrau, Group CEO of CSM, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Charlie to CSM. He is someone who shares our businesses’ entrepreneurial spirit, having co-founded, run and sold the excellent agency, Accelerate Sport. He is a highly-regarded and forward-thinking leader in our industry, particularly in rugby, and it is this experience, expertise and network that he brings to the business.“
Speaking of his new role, McEwen explained:
“Leaving the British & Irish Lions after nine memorable years I was looking forward to a fresh challenge. Matt shared with me his vision for CSM and how I could contribute to the work they were doing in challenging convention, and the opportunity to be a part of a global brand that is growing at pace.”
Looking at the rugby business, McEwen commented:
“The rugby landscape is an exciting one. World Rugby has taken its biggest showpiece to a new market in Japan, Sevens is in excellent health following its successful Olympic return, the Six Nations is more compelling than ever, the Women’s game is leading the way in growth and participation, the sport is innovating with RugbyX and Global Rapid Rugby, and new investors have been drawn to the marketplace. Added to this, the iconic Rugby League World Cup is coming to these shores, a benchmark for inclusivity with the Mens, Womens and Wheelchair tournaments running simultaneously. I can’t wait to get started.”
McEwen takes on the new role of CEO, Rugby and Special Projects, adding further calibre to a Rights leadership team that includes the recently appointed Richard Cohen, Global Head of Motorsports, Partnership Development. Built across more than 20 years of media and technology experience, founding and leading a number of ambitious brands, Cohen is an admired thought leader who brings another point-of-difference to CSM. In addition to these two valuable appointments, Mike Vandrau completes the re-organisation with his promotion to Managing Director, Rights.
–ENDS–
Media enquiries
Hannah Robertson – Senior Group Marketing Manager
hannah.robertson@csm.com / +44 (0) 7468 755 540
About CSM
CSM, part of the Chime Challenger Network, is a global integrated marketing and brand experience agency working across sport, entertainment, media, social impact and more. Driven by a team of 1000+ people in 25+ locations, our purpose is to pursue extraordinary. Connecting with people through their passion points, we build brands, work with rights holders and create live experiences. www.csm.com