M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment, the international marketing and sponsorship agency, has made two key senior leadership changes to mark its next phase of international growth.
The firm has promoted Ross Watson to managing director of its sport division in the UK, while Laura Coller has been named as global chief operating officer, a newly expanded role she will hold while continuing as UK CEO.
Coller will continue to report to global CEO Robin Clarke as part of the new structure.
M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment said it is “evolving its leadership team and operating model to deliver globally connected solutions backed by local specialist expertise across sponsorship, partnerships, PR and communications, social, creator, experiential and content production.”
The company added that the appointments reflect its ambition to operate as a global network, with integrated delivery teams across its international footprint.
M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment is headquartered in London but has offices across North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
Coller has been with the agency for over 15 years, holding several different positions. She has been CEO of the UK office since 2023.
On her expanded role, Coller said: “At a time when global sport and entertainment properties are reaching unprecedented audience sizes, investment in sport continues to accelerate, and fan communities are increasingly interconnected, brands require agency partners that can think laterally while executing with deep local knowledge.
“Our clients recognise that culture transcends borders and that it is shared passions- not traditional demographics like age, gender or location- that unite audiences today.
“My goal is to operate as a more connected global business to provide clients with the very best of M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment, wherever they are in the world, whilst maintaining the agility and entrepreneurial spirit that defines the culture of our agency.”
Watson, who has been with the agency for 12 years, having joined as an account manager in 2014, oversees a portfolio of sport clients including Adidas, Heineken and Betway.
As Coller expands her global responsibilities, Watson will drive day-to-day leadership of the UK business, continuing to oversee the agency's sport offering. He will continue to report to Coller.
Clarke added: “These appointments are about more than recognising two exceptional leaders, they are about stepping into the next stage in the evolution of our business.
“Ross will continue to strengthen our leadership in sport at a time of extraordinary market opportunity, while Laura has built an outstanding UK operation that has been central to strengthening our global position. Together, they position us to better serve clients in an increasingly global marketplace.”
