Goldschmidt Leaves RFU To Join CSM Sport & Entertainment

Sophie Goldschmidt,  RFU Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, is to leave the RFU to take up a new position as Group Managing Director at CSM Sport & Entertainment.

Arriving in July 2011, she became the first female Board member of the RFU and was responsible for all commercial, marketing and communications matters.

Reporting to CSM’s Group CEO, Zak Brown, Sophie will be responsible for developing new business opportunities, supporting the various agencies, driving strategic commercial ventures across CSM’s global operations and managing the group’s brand development & marketing.

With an international background working in North America and across EMEA in both sports management and marketing and communications, Sophie has held successful leadership and commercial roles across a number of sporting organisations, including the iconic National Basketball Association (NBA), the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and Adidas America.  In addition to her executive career, Sophie is also currently a non-executive director for the PGA European Tour and the Youth Sport Trust.

Commenting on Sophie’s appointment, Zak Brown, Group CEO, CSM said: “The global sponsorship market is strong and sport as a share is growing with new events and initiatives, new markets and new brands entering the sector.  CSM sits at the heart of this industry, challenging the status quo, driving innovation, engagement and activation.  Sophie’s global sport and commercial experience will help us grow in the highly competitive sports and entertainment sectors. I am delighted she is coming on board and am looking forward to working alongside her in a new role for the Group.”

RFU CEO Ian Ritchie said, “Sophie has made a fantastic contribution to the RFU in so many ways and we thank her for all that she has achieved in so many areas, not least significantly increasing the value of all RFU assets and creating strong relationships which has enabled wide ranging activation with Partners for the benefit of the whole game. On behalf of the Union I would like to wish her all the very best in her new role.”

Sophie Goldschmidt said, "It is with very mixed emotions that I will be leaving the RFU. I have had a fantastic four and a half years with the organisation and I'm immensely proud of what we've achieved. I've been lucky enough to have worked with some amazing people and the passion and dedication to grow rugby in England and evolve the organisation has been inspiring, I will forever be a fan. The timing though is right to take on a new challenge and I'm excited about my new role at CSM Sport & Entertainment. I would like to thank everyone at the RFU for all the support I've received during my tenure.”