Former Chelsea and Rangers marketing chief Damien Willoughby has joined influential US sports company James Grant Sports (JGS).
Willoughby has joined as new Managing Director of its US sports business.
JGS is a leading football representation and management business whose clients include Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, and Carlos Bocanegra.
Willoughby, 34, formerly served as Head of Sponsorship and International Development for Chelsea Football Club where he worked with leading brands such as adidas, Heineken, Barclays, and Samsung. Prior to his time with Chelsea, Willoughby spent seven years at Rangers F.C. Over his ten-year career, he has generated in excess of £150m in commercial revenue while representing premium rights holders.
Willoughby joins JGS with significant knowledge of the US soccer industry, following a collegiate playing career in the States, the creation of a youth network and implementation of a brand development strategy which culminated in a record breaking Chelsea pre-season tour in 2009 where attendance figures exceeded 275,000 across the four tour matches.
JGS Global Managing Director Lyle Yorks said, "We are thrilled to add someone as experienced and accomplished as Damian to our team. His understanding of the US and international soccer marketplace as well as his vast commercial experience will allow us to cement our position in the US and create many new opportunities for our clients."
Willoughby said, "I am excited to join such a talented and motivated management team. James Grant Sports has already established itself as the leading agency in US soccer and my ambition is to help nurture the next generation of American players in MLS, Mexico, and major European leagues. I will also look to exploit my commercial experience to assist incumbent soccer brands, rights holders, stakeholders and new market entrants to harness the power of the global game as the sport progresses in the US."
James Grant Group Chief Executive Neil Rodford said, "Damian's appointment is a major step forward in our ambitious growth plans for this business. Damian's values and ethics mirror that of our wider Group and he has an outstanding reputation in the industry and is unique in his dual knowledge of US and European soccer."
