Publicis Canada creates sports marketing division
By Adnews Staff
Toronto-based Publicis Canada has formed a new division called Publicis Sports Integrated. The division will offer sports marketing, concept development, asset research, event management, athlete recruitment and contract negotiation. Jim Kirby, previously of IMG Canada, has been hired as general manager of the division. Kirby, a former Olympic and professional skier, has also been director of sponsorship and licensing sales for the Canadian Olympic Association. "Our goal at Sports Integrated is to create increased business opportunities for Publicis' clients through sports marketing programs and campaigns targeting specific objectives," said Kirby. "Sports marketing is a growth industry and it is being used more and more strategically for our clients, as a larger part of their total spend. Our mission will be to ensure that sports marketing is integrated both strategically and in look and feel within the overall communications effort."