Specialist sports management company the Mike Burton Group, has appointed Richard Scott, one of the hospitality industry’s leading figures, to head up its corporate hospitality division.

The appointment of Richard Scott supports the company’s objective to further strengthen its position in the hospitality sector.

Richard will be responsible for driving the company’s corporate hospitality sales growth at major sporting events, as well as being tasked with developing relationships with existing clients and establishing new areas of revenue growth. Scott’s appointment coincides with the opening of the company’s London office.

Commenting on the appointment, Mike Burton Group chief executive Andrew Burton said: “Richard brings more than 20 years experience to our team and we are delighted to have made such a senior appointment. Our growth in recent years has been considerable, and this appointment will assist the business in its objective of increasing its market share.”

Mike Burton has official contracts with some of the world’s leading sports events and governing bodies including the Rugby Football Union, the 2010 Ryder Cup, the British & Irish Lions and Rugby World Cup.

Richard has worked within the hospitality industry for more than two decades and is well known for his success in setting up Langston Scott in 1987, which he established as one of the leading hospitality brokerage companies in the UK. Richard moved to the Quintus Group in 2002, where he was instrumental in developing the hospitality division.

Commenting on his appointment, Richard Scott said: “I am delighted to be joining the Mike Burton Group, which has an enviable reputation for providing superior hospitality and outstanding service at some of the world’s biggest sporting events.”

Last year Mike Burton announced a five year extension to its RFU official licensed hospitality contract at Twickenham and its appointment as an official hospitality agent for the 2010 Ryder Cup. The company also operates exclusively at The Wimbledon Club at the annual Wimbledon Tennis Championships.

In 2007 the Mike Burton Group was also appointed by British Lions Limited to manage the Official Licensed Operator programme for the 2009 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa.

In addition, England Rugby Travel, a joint venture between the RFU and Mike Burton, which operates out of the company’s UK head office, operates all of the official supporter, team and business travel for England Rugby.

The Mike Burton Group has also been appointed by the International Rugby Board (IRB), together with its joint venture partner, Sodexo, to create, manage and implement the global travel and hospitality programme for Rugby World Cup 2011 New Zealand.

ENDS

For further information on the Mike Burton business please contact Justin Hopwood on 01452 888625 or justin.hopwood@mikeburton.com.