Relevent – NewCo
Chief Communications and Marketing Officer
London, UK
About Relevent
Relevent is the world’s leading privately owned commercial partner with a dedicated focus on international football. They specialise in delivering top-tier commercial partnerships, innovative marketing strategies, and exceptional brand representation on a global scale. Their mission is to maximise value for their clients through strategic collaborations and innovative revenue-generating opportunities.
Following the UC3 tender process, Relevent - NewCo was awarded the commercial rights to the UEFA men’s club competitions (Champions League, Europa League and Conference League) on a global basis for the 2027 to 2033 cycle.
As such, Relevent – NewCo is now seeking to build a truly world class business focused on the monetisation of these commercial rights.
Role Overview
The Chief Communications and Marketing Officer (CCMO) of Relevent - NewCo is a key leadership position reporting directly to the CEO, with accountability for managing the organisation’s reputation and positioning across all channels and touchpoints. The CCMO will be responsible for leading a high performing team of professionals spanning Communications, Public Relations, Marketing and Market Intelligence.
The CCMO will act as a business partner to the CEO and other executives, developing and executing a proactive communications strategy that strengthens Relevent – NewCo’s reputation in the industry, engages key stakeholders, and builds credibility among trade and business media globally. They will be responsible for navigating complex industry dynamics, mitigating reputational risks, and ensuring the organisation’s mission is clearly articulated to the media and the wider football ecosystem, including sponsors and media partners.
This role demands a dynamic, commercially minded leader, with deep expertise in international sport, strategic communications and brand storytelling. They will have a proven track record in delivering high-profile campaigns, navigating complex stakeholder environments, driving commercial growth through innovative engagement strategies, and establishing trust among industry journalists, trade press, and global business communities.
The CCMO will be based in Relevent - NewCo’s London office. Extensive travel will be required.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Create, develop and implement a comprehensive B2B-focused Communications and Marketing strategy aligned with Relevent – NewCo’s commercial objectives.
Position Relevent – NewCo as a trusted and authoritative voice in global football commerce, ensuring clear differentiation and strategic storytelling across all industry-facing platforms.
Build a Communications and Marketing department with the agility to manage real-time industry conversations, while also driving a long-term reputation-building strategy.
Serve as a key advisor to the CEO and leadership team on reputation management, media relations, and industry engagement.
Develop strategic messaging that effectively communicates the organisation’s value proposition to rights holders, sponsors, broadcasters, and governing bodies.
Represent the organisation at key industry events, conferences, and meetings to proactively shape market perceptions and strengthen stakeholder relationships.
Corporate Communications and Media Relations
Develop and execute a proactive corporate communications and trade press strategy to manage reputation, counter misinformation, and reinforce industry leadership.
Cultivate relationships with top-tier business and sports journalists, ensuring they have direct access to accurate information about Relevent – NewCo’s mission, impact, and commercial strategy.
Act as the primary spokesperson where required, ensuring strong, confident, and consistent messaging across all media interactions.
Secure high-impact coverage in key global markets, particularly in regions where Relevent – NewCo is expanding commercial operations.
Develop effective regionalised communication plans to ensure each market is warmed up ahead of commercial entry, with strong media narratives and industry engagement.
Brand and Marketing Strategy
Establish and grow the Relevent – NewCo brand, ensuring clarity in its positioning within the global sports and entertainment ecosystem.
Lead the development of thought leadership initiatives, opinion pieces, and strategic content that reinforce Relevent – NewCo’s expertise and credibility.
Ensure all B2B marketing and communications efforts align with the broader business strategy and revenue objectives.
Crisis and Reputation Management
Develop and implement a crisis communication strategy, ensuring rapid and effective responses to reputational risks.
Monitor industry trends, public sentiment, and media narratives to proactively manage brand perception.
Develop and implement a proactive crisis communication strategy, ensuring swift and strategic responses to reputational risks.
Monitor industry trends, media narratives, and potential risks in real time, allowing for early intervention and strategic messaging adjustments.
Prepare executive leadership with media training, crisis response protocols, and key talking points to handle potential scrutiny effectively.
Team Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement
Build and lead a high-performing B2B-focused Communications and Marketing team.
Work closely with UC3, commercial partners, and internal stakeholders to ensure strategic alignment and develop advocacy within the football business community.
Foster relationships with key influencers, analysts, and thought leaders in the sports and business sectors to drive industry credibility.
Provide inspiring leadership to the team; set clear performance expectations and instill a fast-paced, entrepreneurial mindset.
Participate as a member of Relevent – NewCo’s Senior Leadership Team, supporting company-wide initiatives and helping shape corporate strategy from a communications lens.
Drive a culture of innovation, urgency, and strategic problem-solving within the communications function.
Required Experience & Skills
Minimum of 12+ years of experience in B2B communications, corporate affairs, or strategic marketing, ideally within international sports, media, or entertainment.
Proven track record of successfully managing reputation in high-profile, commercially driven organisations.
Strong leadership skills with a track record of building and managing high-performing teams in fast-moving environments.
Experience working closely with trade press, business media, and industry analysts, with a well-established deep network of international media relationships.
Ability to manage complex stakeholder environments including governing bodies, sponsors, and media partners.
Demonstrated expertise in crisis communications, reputation management, and strategic messaging.
Exceptional writing, editing, and messaging skills, with the ability to distill complex commercial strategies into compelling narratives.
Experience launching brands, businesses, or campaigns in multiple global markets, with a deep understanding of regional media dynamics.
Proven ability to operate at pace, delivering high-quality communications in time-sensitive, high-pressure situations.
Multilingual capabilities preferred, reflecting the global nature of the role.
Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, business, or a related field; an advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) is a plus.
Personal Qualities
Driven, ambitious, positive and hardworking, with a proactive approach.
Growth mindset and resilient, with a strong drive to succeed.
Ability to cope with pressurised situations and tight timeframes whilst maintaining a professional approach.
Strong executive presence, comfortable operating at Board level and with senior stakeholders, both internal and external.
Innovative mindset, with demonstrable experience of creating strategies that have driven commercial growth.
Equally high IQ and EQ.
Strong intercultural communication skills and capability to act as an ambassador for the organisation.
A global citizen that is culturally sensitive and naturally comfortable working across multiple international markets and cultures.
High levels of integrity and confidentiality.
Mission driven, committed and aligned to Relevent’s values.
Trusted advisor with a reputation for discretion and sound judgment in sensitive matters.
Ability to influence without direct authority, collaborative.
What Relevent Offer
A high-impact leadership role in shaping the commercial vision and reputation of one of the most prestigious sports properties in the world.
Work with a dynamic team of industry experts in a fast-paced, high-impact environment.
Competitive compensation package, including performance-based incentives.
The opportunity to lead global market expansion efforts, defining how Relevent – NewCo is perceived in key regions.
Global exposure and the opportunity to influence the future of sports marketing and commercialisation.
TurnkeyZRG’S Commitment:
At TurnkeyZRG, we do not just accept differences—we celebrate and support it. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital or partnership status, military or veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. TurnkeyZRG is an equal opportunity employer and workplace, and we encourage applicants of all backgrounds & communities to apply.
TurnkeyZRG’S Practice Leader:
George Williams - Managing Director, UK & Europe
George Williams joined TurnkeyZRG in 2023 to lead the organization’s international expansion into Europe. Based in London, he brings over 15 years of executive search experience across Sport & Media. George will also work closely with ZRG’s Sucherman division to support its ongoing growth in the region. Prior to joining TurnkeyZRG, George was a Partner at Savannah Group, where he led and grew the organization’s Sport & Media Practice across Europe. He previously served at Odgers Berndtson as an Associate, supporting the launch of their Sports Practice and leading the delivery of multiple assignments.
Rick Alessandri - Managing Director, Media & Sports Tech
Rick Alessandri joined TurnkeyZRG in 2018 to help launch and grow the company’s media and tech search practice. Mr. Alessandri's vast network and 30+ years of industry experience have led to placements of Monumental Sports & Entertainment’s Regional Sports Network’s General Manager and SVP, Digital Media, Regional Sports Network, DAZN’s Chief Communications Officer and Vice President, Media, Major League Rugby’s Commissioner and C360 Technologies’ CEO to name a few. Prior to joining TurnkeyZRG, Rick held senior level positions with Univision as EVP, Enterprise Development and ESPN as Chief of Staff to ESPN President George Bodenheimer, CXO of the X Games and SVP of ESPN Enterprises.
Allie Crone - Vice President Marketing & Communications
Allie Crone joined TurnkeyZRG in 2018 and currently serves as Vice President, leading the firm’s Marketing & Communications practice. While at TurnkeyZRG, Ms. Crone has led dozens of executive level searches including Chief Marketing Officer of the Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, Ilitch Holdings (Detroit Tigers & Red Wings), and Comcast Spectacor (Philadelphia Flyers), as well Chief Communications Officer for the US Olympic & Vice President of Communications for the Portland Trailblazers and Philadelphia Flyers. Within the Marketing function, she has also led searches in Live Entertainment & Game Presentation, Digital Marketing, Content and Social Media.
Paddy Hickey - Senior Associate
Paddy Hickey joined TurnkeyZRG in 2024 as a Senior Associate. Based in London, Paddy will focus on leading and executing cross-functional executive search processes for a broad range of clients in European sport, media and entertainment. Prior to joining TurnkeyZRG, Paddy was an Associate at SRI.
Paddy has a track record of identifying and placing top talent on behalf of clients that include rights holders, governing bodies, international sporting federations, Premier League football clubs and Formula 1 teams. His experience encompasses a broad range of functions, having built expertise in commercial, finance, legal, technology, HR and sustainability assignments. Placed candidates include sport industry veterans and high-impact talent from adjacent sectors.