Zug, Switzerland – Dr Andreas Jacobs, Vice-Chairman of Infront Sports & Media, who represents the majority shareholder of Infront Sports & Media, Jacobs Holding AG, will be acting Chairman of the group following the death of its Chairman of the Board and one of its major shareholders, Robert Louis-Dreyfus at the age of 63 on Saturday, 4 July 2009.
Robert Louis-Dreyfus has played a definitive role in the development of the Infront Group over the last six years to its present position as a leading widely diversified, full-service sports marketing company. Today Infront is one of the strongest players in the industry with over 500 employees across the group and 23 offices in 10 countries. It enjoys successful, productive and long-lasting partnerships, based on high standards of delivery.
Dr Andreas Jacobs, acting Chairman of Infront, said: “This is a great loss for us; however, Robert's legacy is Infront's current position of strength. Infront is a growing, financially sound company and we will do everything that it remains like this in the years to come. The company has a strong and well-connected management led by Philippe Blatter and a clear strategy. Its Board of Directors has now initiated a process to identify an experienced and highly committed figure to replace Robert on the board. We intend to take great care in making this important decision, without time pressure.”
Now led by Dr Jacobs in the interim, the company's Board of Directors consists of a highly experienced group of sports market and business professionals: Marco Bogarelli (Former President and owner of Media Partner), Nicole Junkermann (Founding Executive Partner United in Sports, Board member of Really Sports), Günter Netzer (Germany's Footballer of the Year in 1972 and 1973), Daniel Pfister (CFO Jacobs Holding AG), Dr. Uli Sigg (Chairman of Ringier) and Dr. Martin Steinmeyer (Business entrepreneur).
Jacobs Holding AG will remain the majority shareholder of the company. Robert Louis-Dreyfus re-organised his financial participation in the company well in advance of his death and with great foresight, ensuring continuity in Infront's financial backing.
Philippe Blatter, Infront's President & CEO commented: ”Without Robert Louis-Dreyfus' key role in the creation and leadership of Infront, the company would not be as successful as it is in its present form today. We all owe him a great deal and will continue to live and implement his vision. We will continue our growth plan, supported by our shareholders who have a genuine and long-term commitment to Infront.”
