The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has appointed Pentland Brands global director of sponsorship Sean Kavanagh to the newly created role of commercial director.
Kavanagh will commence work in the role in August and will lead the FAI's new commercial division, having led major sponsorship negotiations for brands such as Canterbury, Mitre and Speedo in his current position.
The Dubliner will be tasked with developing key stakeholder relations to increase investment and identify and secure new business opportunities for the FAI.
"Sean’s arrival is another key piece in the restructure of the senior leadership team at the FAI," said Jonathan Hill, CEO of the FAI.
"Whilst previously having marketing and commercial merged into one area, we have now taken the important step of creating a standalone commercial division to drive our revenue growth moving forward which is clearly so important for the Association’s future financial stability.
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"A lifelong member of the Irish football community, Sean comes to us with significant commercial experience in the sport and wider business space and is well connected within the Irish business community which will be critical for that future growth.”
Kavanagh captained Dublin nursery outfit Stella Maria to the national SFAI title at under-14 level before signing for Leeds United alongside former Ireland international Ian Harte, going on to play for Ireland at under-18 schools level and Shamrock Rovers.
During a loan spell with Longford Town, Kavanagh played under Ireland manager Stephen Kenny, and he currently coaches the Stella Maris under-13 DDSL Inter side.
At Pentland Brands, Kavanagh led a review of all partnerships in order to increase profitability and handled the management of all key external and internal stakeholders.
As the company's global director of sports marketing and sponsorship, global director of sports marketing and commercial director for the EMEA region, his client list included the IRFU, Leinster Rugby, the British & Irish Lions and the IOC.
Prior to joining Pentland Brands, Kavanagh worked with Puma as country manager for Ireland and as performance sales director in the UK.
"I am really excited to be joining the FAI and leading the new Commercial Division along with my colleagues across the commercial, marketing and communications operations within the Association,” said Kavanagh.
“I cannot wait to start working with our existing sponsors and potential new partners as we look to help grow Irish football and build on the momentum on the pitch that is currently prevalent across men’s and women’s football at international, domestic and grassroots level.”
Kavanagh's appointment follows those of Marc Canham as director of football, Louise Cassidy as director of marketing communications, and John Morling as a senior football consultant.
Photo: Sean Kavanagh at FAI headquarters in Abbotstown, Dublin. (Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile)
