CSM Sport & Entertainment appoints two new Regional Directors for Asia

CSM Sport & Entertainment has announced a new leadership structure for its Asia operations which sees the appointment of two Regional Directors.

Lesley Murphy and Kathryn Rhodes have been promoted to oversee the agency in a joint Regional Director role after having both played a key part in overseeing client accounts and business operations in recent years.

Murphy has been with the CSM business since 2014, first leading the agency’s key account with AIA Insurance and the strategic delivery of their global partnership with Tottenham Hotspur. In her previous role, Murphy oversaw marketing and communications for CSM in the region and will continue to lead on driving exposure of the agency’s service offerings and expertise moving forward.

Kathryn Rhodes joined CSM in 2016 to spearhead HSBC's sponsorship strategy and delivery of the World Rugby Sevens Series in Asia. In more recent times, Rhodes has led the charge on the agency's business development, focused on driving new and existing client growth.  Rhodes will look to ramp up business development efforts across the region in her new role and continue to work closely with global and regional sales teams to connect brands with value-adding properties.

Both roles will report into CSM Deputy Chairman, Jim Glover, who commented: “The combination of the two skillsets that Kathryn and Lesley bring to the business will provide a very solid base from which we plan to increase our involvement and activity in the region. I have no doubt they will continue the fantastic work we already provide for our clients and look forward to working with them and the whole team to grow our offerings in Asia.”

On the appointment, Rhodes said: “I’m extremely excited to lead the CSM team and our growth strategy in Asia.  And it makes me proud to do so alongside another female leader.” Murphy added: “I am thrilled to be taking on this new role to oversee our ambitions in Asia, and grateful to work with such an exceptional team. I look forward to expanding CSM Asia’s reach and impact across the region together.”

CSM has been delivering work across the APAC region for over ten years with offices in Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and Australia. Aside from long-standing clients, HSBC and AIA, the agency works with leading brands and rightsholders in the region such as adidas, SAP, Jaguar Land Rover, Hisense, Citi, CLP, and most recently NEOM.