Marketing Communications company, The GEM Group has been appointed to handle the PR for Vodafone’s sponsorship of Manchester United.

The GEM Group already handle all the marketing exploitation and PR work on behalf of Vodafone for their sponsorship of the England cricket team.

Commenting on the appointment, GEM Vice President, Andy Kenny said:

‘This appointment will enable our PR team to develop the work they have been doing around the England cricket team and expand into new areas promoting the Vodafone range of products and services. The range of assets secured by Vodafone in their latest sponsorship deal with Manchester United are very exciting and we are looking forward to developing and implementing a global PR programme to leverage these assets’

GEM were instrumental in securing the original Vodafone/Manchester United sponsorship contract in 1999 and last year the sponsorship was renewed for a further four years with greater emphasis being placed on the business opportunities open to Vodafone through the partnership.

Maria Bellanca, Head of Vodafone Group Sport Sponsorship PR said:

‘We have been delighted with the way we have been able to use our sponsorships to PR our products and services. GEM’s work on the cricket has been key to this success and we are confident that they can help us to generate a strong Vodafone brand preference amongst targeted consumer groups and in key markets using the vehicle of Manchester United. ‘

Vodafone’s new sponsorship contract with Manchester United begins this summer with the Vodafone Cup, the first international club tournament to be held at Old Trafford. This new tournament features Dutch team PSV Eindhoven, Argentina’s world club champions Boca Juniors, Japanese club Urawa Red Diamonds and the host team Manchester United. The three-day tournament kicks off on 3rd August.

For further information please contact:

Andy Kenny at the GEM Group on 01483 209 823
Nigel Currie at the GEM Group on 01483 209 820