SMG launches sports marketing division

Starcom Mediavest Group has rolled out its sports marketing practice Sports at SMG across the Middle East and North Africa.

The launch follows closely on the heels of similar roll outs in the United States, Russia and Africa with the division to be headquartered in Dubai and offering fully integrated sports marketing capabilities.

“In an increasingly fragmented landscape sports is still the number one driver of audiences in big numbers across multiple platforms, devices and multiple markets,” said Robin Clarke, managing director for EMEA at Sports at SMG. “New technologies are enabling rights holders and sports media vendors alike to evolve their offering to brands significantly. Helping our clients understand and invest in optimal ways in those spaces can deliver far greater effectiveness in investment and ROI.”

The division’s capabilities will include audience insights, strategic development, investment, management and evaluation.

Raed Kablawi, head of MENA at Sports at SMG, added: “Sports at SMG will ensure our clients understand the landscape, the opportunities and the routes to high value ROI from investing in sports at local, regional and global levels. As part of a world class media network, we are armed with the best supporting capabilities in digital, content, social, data and media planning/buying to do just that.”