Etihad Airways win ESA European Sponsorship Award
November 21, 2008
Leading Airline delighted with innovative Hurling Sponsorship programme conceived, negotiated and devised by Professional Sports Group
Professional Sports Group is delighted to announce that its client, Etihad Airways has won the ESA European Sponsorship Award in the Business to Consumer category. Etihad Airways’ GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Sponsorship was nominated for the award due to its impressive sales and brand impact on the Irish market generated via the sponsorship.
Etihad Airways has become the first Middle Eastern company to win this prestigious award beating off competition from other major sporting sponsors such as Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, Puma, Shell and Bank of Scotland. The ESA European Sponsorship Awards are the only pan-European sponsorship awards celebrating excellence across all sectors of sponsorship.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said: “To win an award like this, so early on in our partnership with the GAA, is a terrific achievement. Etihad always aim to develop strong links with local communities through its sponsorship initiatives and we’re pleased to have formed a connection with the grass roots of this sport which is at the heart of the Irish people.”
Jamie Cunningham, Professional Sports Group, Managing Director commented “To win the ESA European Sponsorship Award is fantastic. When we studied the Irish sponsorship market, we knew GAA Hurling was right for Etihad’s needs and would have a massive impact on their business and brand. It is great to be the first Middle Eastern sponsor to win the award. From a Professional Sports Group perspective, we have always said that we’re striving to be one of Europe’s leading sponsorship agencies against our better known rivals. This award is a good indication that we are on the right track.”
Professional Sports Group has worked with Etihad Airways since 2006 and is their sole global sponsorship agency. The company has helped build and develop Etihad’s sponsorship strategy by carrying out detailed research of potential markets, negotiating with rights holders on their behalf and creating unique and effective activation platforms across all the Etihad sponsorships. Professional Sports Group has offices in the UK and UAE.
For further details on Professional Sports Group please visit www.profsports.com or contact Jamie Cunningham, .