Director of International Development

Celtic have announced today that they have become the first Club in British Football to appoint a Director whose sole remit will be to attempt to increase the clubs profile globally in an move which will hopefully reap the benefit of exploiting the Clubs potential worldwide.<o></o>
London born Jason Hughes will take over as Director of International development, and will be responsible for increasing the clubs profile in other areas of the globe with the intent that Celtic can tap further into International revenue streams that the Club may not have reached previously.<o></o>
Hughes will work alongside new Commercial Director Adrian Filby to draw up and propose marketing strategies with a view to increasing the Celtic brand to the levels enjoyed by the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United.<o></o>
The Manchester University graduate has an impressive CV, with roles including Internal relations Director with the English FA and Deputy General Secretary of CONCAF, the North and Central American version of UEFA, where he administrated the groups version of the Champions League to great financial success, which has been credited as being instrumental in the increased profile of 'soccer' in the USA.<o></o>
Hughes said: "People have talked about the globalisation of sport and there's no doubt it's on the agenda.<o></o>
"The NFL has just played its first regular season game in London and the NBA and Major League Baseball frequently schedule games in Europe and the Far East.<o></o>
"Football is also developing in other, non-traditional markets and it's my remit to look at Celtic and the opportunities that present themselves and make the most of them.<o></o>
"It's a bold statement of intent by the club about where it sees its future internationally.<o></o>
"I hope to develop existing revenue streams and establish new ones that help contribute to the on-field success of the team.<o></o>
"It's such an exciting opportunity as Celtic are undoubtedly one of the best-supported clubs there is and its story is unique.<o></o>
"It's also a successful club and the loyalty and passion of the fans is admired throughout the world."<o></o>
Peter Lawwell commented on the appointment stating that "The profile and exposure of Celtic has grown enormously in the last few years and now the commercial challenge is to take advantage of it.<o></o>
"Initially, we'll look at where we're strongest and that's North America and the Far East.<o></o>
"We need to understand what's going on in these emerging markets and find a place there for Celtic. True, we don't have the profile clubs such as Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea enjoy through the ongoing exposure of the Premiership abroad in comparison to the SPL.<o></o>
"However, I still believe Celtic are one of the biggest brands in football and we're going to go and secure the benefits of that."<o></o>
Hughes highlighted his first aims in his new role: "The first thing I'm looking to do is draw up a business plan: What works for Celtic and could it work even better?<o></o>
"How do we spread the brand further using, for example, new media and other tools?<o></o>
"We hope to develop existing relationships, create new ones and build circle of relationships that is good for the supporters, our partners and, ultimately, the team.<o></o>
"We hope to engage existing passions. I'm not so sure we're competing with clubs such as Man United and Barcelona in reaching out to new corners of the world.<o></o>
"It's a good thing others are also in the market because we can develop an even better understanding of what works.<o></o>
"I've a clear vision from speaking with Peter about what the club is trying to achieve and we share the same goals for Celtic.<o></o>
"This is the right strategy to follow and we're looking to put the flesh on the bones of our initial dialogue."<o></o>
This is great news for the Club. The profile and profitability of the brand has increased exponentially under the stewardship of Peter Lawwell and this move is a clear indication that the Chief Executive is following up on his promise to make Celtic one of the most successful clubs in the world, both on and off the pitch.<o></o>
If Lawwell continues this progress he could become one of the most important people in the history of this great institution, and could take a place alongside Willie Maley and Sir Bob Kelly as one of the pivotal figures in the successful history of Celtic Football Club.

 

World domination, iz int oor sight!

Woo hahahahaha (Evil laugh!).

 

great move ,well done yet again peter lawwell

 

Magic. That baldy * Bain could not lace Lawells boots. Another master class in running a football club as a profitable business by the Celtic Board.

We are years ahead of the competition.

Hail Hail

 

cant believe we're the first in britain to do this. good move by the club, show me the money

 

Fantastic appointment imo.
Totally agree with Celtic Ninjas post.
Ive said this on the forum before Bain is a very poor mans Peter Lawell, and we are light years ahead, on and off the field.

My only concern is that Peter Lawell will leave at the end of the coming season. I'm sure I read that on e-tims.

 

hope lawell doesnt leave,he has been out best signing since henrik,the man knows what he is doing

 

Put this on HB and it caused a bit of a stir bu suggesting we "sell our soul", not my intention but we need to do something to increase revenues.

"First thing he needs to do is get a "Global Brand" on the front of the shirt and discard the Huns. Stop any association with them via the Carling logo.

At the same time consider renaming the stadium in relation to the shirt sponsor.

That must be worth a good few mi££ion."
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I'm quite impressed by this. Just shows how much vision the club has for the future. Great move

 

great news, celtic is getting ready for the next stages of the future for celtic. this does mean we will get extra cash but i would never sell the name for the stadium that idea can f*** right off. i would not stand for that and the board would never do it. the only way peter lawell would go is to go to a top 4 team in england or in spain or do something in america and he would think over it long and hard. he is a true celtic fan and thats what make this team so special that people want to work for celtic fc. next phase get ride of the carling sponser do not want anything to with the huns.

 

Basically the lad is going to scour the world for marketing exploits, good move from the club

 

Peter Lawells the man

 

agree,get rid of carling and NEVER sell the name of the stadium.

 

great move again by the club, mr lawell has worked wonders for us and lets hope it continues bhoys!!:icon_mrgreen:

 

i did my part to help this guy out yesterday. I was at a *'s sporting goods store in massachusetts saw that some celtic shirts were not at the front of the rack and took the liberty of placing them there right in front of the england shirts. I then passed the main football (soccer for me) display and there of course were celtic tops in their rightful place front and center so I didnt have to move anything,

 

Great move by the club...

Peter Lawell is doing a great job at Celtic, he's really taking us in the right direction....

 

good move, but another way of just making money as long as we spend more of it, then its fine . * renaming the stadium though man it should always be Celtic Park or Parkhead/Paradise, none of your Coca Cola stadium or Gillette Stadium * Get rid of Carling though and get a bigger brand on our shirts

 

I agree with everyone else, cut off any ties with the gers and get the shirt sponsor changed. Good gettin this man in but i think itll take awhile before we start noticing changes..

 

*'s has Celtic taps?? You mean I won't have to order online?? All right!!!

Wish I'd known that, I was just in the one out in Dedham yesterday, but at least now I have the little discount card to save up my points.