Beijing, China – The international sports marketing company Infront Sports & Media has appointed Anne Zhao as its new Managing Director of Infront China with immediate effect. Ma Guoli will continue to represent Infront China and contribute valuable experience through his role as Chairman of the Board.
Working with Infront China almost since its inception in 2005, Anne has held the pivotal role as Director Finance & Administration. Her appointement as Managing Director follows her successful ad interim leadership over recent months. She holds an Accounting & Auditing Degree from Nankai University (CHN) and – before joining Infront – has worked as CFO for Apple in China (information technology) as well as in the trading and auditing industry. Her knowledge of the Chinese consumer landscape is complemented by strong experience in governmental and cross-continental business operations.
Building upon the momentum in Chinese sports
Philippe Blatter, Infront’s President & CEO, said: “With the appointment of Anne Zhao, we now officially welcome an esteemed colleague and revered expert in the Chinese market to our international management team. Over the years, we have seen Anne develop strong relationships within the global Infront network, and are convinced that her placement in this influential position will further strengthen knowledge transfer across the Infront offices in Europe and Asia. Building upon the current momentum of sports in China, Anne will ensure continuity in the region as our Group strides towards ambitious targets and promising ventures under its new shareholder.”
Ma Guoli, Chairman of the Infront China Board, added: “Anne has significantly contributed to the performance of Infront China and the success of our clients over the past ten years. Through sound business operations she has supported our growth to a dominant position – and we wish her every success in continuing on this path in the future. Anne fully understands the domestic market and has embraced the full breadth of the Group’s international sports marketing expertise. We are therefore confident in her capability to further drive expansion in both the professional and leisure sports segment.”
Anne Zhao, incoming Managing Director of Infront China, commented: “It is a great honour for me to take over this position and contribute to Infront’s experienced international leadership team, as I share its vision for growth. Together with the professional staff of Infront China, I look forward to steering the portfolio diversification in the region. With an exciting era ahead for the Chinese sports landscape, we will further broaden business operations – aiming to contribute substantially to the development of Chinese sport and its international impact.”
About Infront Sports & Media
Infront Sports & Media is the most respected sports marketing company in the world, managing a comprehensive portfolio of top properties. Led by President & CEO Philippe Blatter, Infront covers all aspects of successful sporting events – including distribution of media rights, sponsorship, media production and event operation – and has won a reputation for its high standards of delivery. As the number one player in winter sport and with a leading role in football and summer sports, Infront enjoys long-lasting partnerships with 160 rights-holders and hundreds of sponsors and media companies. Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, Infront has a team of experienced staff working from 25 offices across 13 countries, delivering 4,000 event days of top class sport around the world every year.
