Andy Westlake appointed ESA’s new Chairman

The European Sponsorship Association (ESA) is delighted to announce that Andy Westlake has been elected Chairman after Karen Earl’s 10 years in office came to a close in July this year. 

As a founding member of the Association with 50 years’ experience in the sponsorship industry to her name, Karen will be a tough act to follow, but she believes that Andy is more than up to the challenge: “I am delighted that Andy has been elected ESA's new Chairman, and feel that the Association is in safe hands with him at the helm. Andy will be terrific and will be able to use his 20 plus years’ experience in the industry to continue moving ESA forward. I wish him all the very best in his new role.” 

As ESA Chairman, Andy will be the Association’s figurehead and spokesperson, working with the other ESA Board Directors and the ESA Secretariat to ensure active growth and participation in the industry, while maintaining ESA’s position as a strong voice and thought leader in the sponsorship community. He will hold the role of Chairman for a maximum of two terms and is looking forward to taking on this new challenge: "I’m absolutely thrilled to be given the confidence of the ESA Board to take this role on. I have very big shoes to fill, but I know that as our industry evolves and the role of sponsorship and partnerships grows, that we have a great team in the office, supported by an amazingly diverse and talented Board, that will ensure that ESA continues to drive our industry forward.”

Andy has worked in the sponsorship industry for over 25 years, until recently holding the role of CEO at Fast Track, part of global Sports and Entertainment Group CSM, before establishing his own firm Westlake Consulting. He has a passion for the power that partnerships in sport and beyond can offer to brands. He’s been on the ESA Board for three years and also sits as a non-Executive Director of British Universities & Colleges Sport. 

For more information about ESA please visit: www.sponsorship.org

Don’t miss out:

1.    2017 ESA Arts Sponsorship Certificate – course starts Friday, 15th September.

An arts and culture distance learning qualification available to all professionals wishing to enhance their sponsorship knowledge and develop the skills necessary to build thriving commercial relationships within the corporate sector.

Now in its third year, this exciting opportunity has been made available through collaboration between ESA and social enterprise Cause4 via the Arts Council England-funded Arts Fundraising and Philanthropy Programme.

2.    2017 ESA Excellence Awards – entry deadline 29th September, venue announced.

The European Sponsorship Association (ESA) is delighted to confirm the venue and date for the 11th ESA Excellence Awards, the sponsorship industry’s most prestigious awards night celebrating the best campaigns across Europe.

London’s world-famous Science Museum, one of the city’s major tourist attractions, will host the ceremony on Wednesday 7th February 2018, with awards to be handed out in 27 categories.

3.    2018 ESA Diploma – enrolment now open for 2018 course.

The ESA Diploma is the first-ever academic qualification designed specifically for the needs of the sponsorship industry, and, six years in, is now widely regarded as a mandatory qualification for those wishing to boost their career in any area of sponsorship or sports marketing.

The part-time web-based distance learning course, held mid-January through August, is aimed at all levels, including those with no experience or just starting out.