Boxing Marketing Arm (BMA) Appoints New Director Of Sales Sponsorship & Marketing And New Director Of Finance & Operations

Boxing Marketing Arm (BMA) has appointed Ken Crease as Director of Sales Sponsorship & Marketing, with a brief to further develop the sponsorship and marketing rights of AIBA’s boxing programmes. Also Rob Garea has joined BMA as Director of Finance & Operations.

David Gough, BMA CEO said: “BMA has a unique opportunity to change the way boxing is presented to fans around the world. Ken and Rob not only had impressive credentials as professionals, but they understand the vision and realize the potential for the future. Ken will be looking for commercial partners to participate in the unique opportunity of shaping the sport of boxing for tomorrow. While Rob will provide the leadership in developing a transparent financial system to manage the business as effectively and efficiently as possible.”

Ken Crease has over 16 years of experience in sports and entertainment marketing, and has worked with many of the world’s leading brands, rightsholders and media owners. Crease joins BMA from GroupM, where he was Head of Entertainment & Sports Partnerships, Russia & CIS. Prior to that, he was employed as General Director of Sport Media Group, a leading Russian sports marketing agency.

(Left to right) Ken Crease (Director of Sales Sponsorship & Marketing), David Gough (BMA CEO) and Rob Garea (Director of Finance & Operations)

“Boxing enjoys a unique position in sport, in terms of its heritage and global appeal. I am looking forward to working closely with the existing team to position the sport as an attractive platform for commercial partners,” said Mr Crease.

Rob Garea is a 40-year-old finance professional with an extensive experience in many of the key finance areas. He has worked in audit, general finance, costing, manufacturing, FP&A and corporate directorship in a variety of International companies including Citibank, eBay, Biogen & Covidien in Switzerland, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom.

Mr Garea said: “I am excited to join BMA. Being part of its journey early on is so motivating. I am looking forward to add value helping create the right finance framework and giving meaningful business support to the company in order to help it grow and succeed.”

AIBA appoints former IMG and Coca-Cola Executive as Boxing Marketing Arm CEO

AIBA, the world governing body for the sport of boxing, yesterday appointed David Gough as Chief Executive Officer for its exclusive global marketing company, the Boxing Marketing Arm (BMA).

Mr Gough has significant experience in world-class sponsorship sales, sports marketing and commercial partnership having previously worked for IMG and Coca-Cola amongst others.

David Gough BMA C.E.O with AIBA President and BMA Board Chairman, Dr Ching-Kuo Wu

AIBA President and BMA Board Chairman, Dr Ching-Kuo Wu, said: “I am delighted that David Gough is joining the BMA, and there is little doubt that his excellent international experience will provide us with significant support as we move into an exciting new era for boxing.

“AIBA is the global governing body for the sport of boxing and David’s knowledge of international sports sponsorship and marketing will certainly boost the commercial success of our boxing competitions and initiatives.”

Mr Gough, whose appointment was reviewed and approved by the BMA board, said: “This is an important time for AIBA and the sport of boxing and I am thrilled to be joining at a time of such revolutionary change.

“Having worked for some of the world’s biggest brands and events, I am convinced that APB and World Series of Boxing (WSB) can establish themselves as top sports competitions on the international stage.”

Mr Gough has significant sports experience, having worked with Coca-Cola at the FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games, five Super Bowls, four NCAA Final Fours, three MLB and NBA All-Star Weekends and Disney events.

BMA is the marketing company established by AIBA to manage all commercial properties of AIBA’s three main programs, AIBA Open Boxing (AOB), AIBA Pro Boxing (APB) and World Series of Boxing (WSB) focused on TV/Media and Sponsorship Rights Sales.