- Outgoing Chair ‘incredibly proud’ of ESA’s evolution during ‘groundbreaking’ decade
- Tributes paid to ‘exemplary leadership’ of Chair who represented sponsorship industry across continent
- ESA Board prepares to elect new Chair in September
The European Sponsorship Association (ESA) has announced that Sophie Morris has concluded her tenure as Chair, bringing to a close 10 years of service on the ESA Board and three years at the helm of the organisation.
A highly respected sponsorship professional, Sophie is Co-Founder of SponsorView, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and a former Director of Marketing in the financial services sector. Since joining the ESA Board in 2016, she has played a pivotal role in helping shape the organisation’s growth, strategy and influence across Europe.
During her decade of service, ESA has evolved significantly, expanding its membership offering, strengthening its position as the essential and inclusive community for all professionals working in sponsorship, and delivering a range of initiatives designed to support best practice across the industry.
Under Sophie’s leadership, ESA has championed important work around equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and sustainability, helping to drive meaningful change within the industry, and significantly increasing its pan-continental reach with an expanded events and conference partnerships portfolio across Europe.
After formally stepping down at the 2026 ESA AGM in London on 3 June, Sophie Morris said: “Serving on the ESA Board for the past 10 years, including the last three as Chair, has been both an honour and a pleasure. I am incredibly proud of how far ESA has evolved during that time, from groundbreaking work in EDI and sustainability to bringing our community closer together across Europe.
“Together, we have built a stronger organisation with a clear vision for the future and a growing commitment to delivering value for our members. Whilst I will be sad to leave, I do so with confidence that ESA is in a strong position and ready for its next chapter. I would like to thank the ESA Team, Board and the wider membership community for their trust, support and friendship throughout this journey.”
Nigel Geach, Vice-Chair of ESA, commented: “Sophie’s contribution to ESA over the past decade has been extraordinary. Her 10 years of service on the Board, culminating in three years of exemplary leadership as Chair, have helped shape ESA into the thriving, respected and inclusive organisation it is today.
“She has championed innovation, collaboration and professionalism across the sponsorship industry, while always putting members at the heart of ESA’s work. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Sophie for her dedication, vision and commitment, and wish her every success in the future.”
Karen Fan, General Manager of ESA, said: “It has been a privilege to work alongside Sophie throughout her time as Chair, and as a Board Director. Her energy, passion and unwavering commitment to ESA have been truly remarkable, whether supporting the team behind the scenes, engaging with members or travelling across Europe to promote ESA and advocate for the sponsorship industry.
“Sophie has always led with enthusiasm, generosity and a genuine desire to make a positive difference. Her support has been invaluable to the ESA team, and her legacy will be felt across the organisation for many years to come.”
The ESA Board will elect a new Chair in September 2026, with a formal handover process already underway to ensure continuity and support the next phase of the association’s development.
On behalf of its Board, members and team, ESA extends its sincere thanks to Sophie for a decade of service and leadership, and for the lasting impact she has made on both the organisation and the sponsorship community across Europe.
-ENDS-
For media queries, please contact:
Jonathan Coates | ESA Marketing, Communications and Events Manager
marketing@sponsorship.org | +44 (0) 7788 352219
