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Jean-François Jeanne, managing director of Infront France, is to leave the agency later this year after more than a decade to join Emirates as vice-president of global sponsorship and events.
Jeanne, who has led Infront France since its launch in October 2012, will leave on September 1 and be succeeded by Alexis Zabel, the division’s current senior director of sales, it was announced today (Monday).
Zabel joined the company in November 2012 as sales director and was promoted senior director in January 2019. He is also a member of the local management board.
As MD of Infront France, Zabel will – alongside his existing sales responsibilities – have oversight of business development, rights-in management and all marketing and client solutions.
He will report into Julien Ternisien, vice-president of summer sports at Infront Group, who said: “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Jean-François for his achievements on behalf of Infront. During his tenure he significantly grew and developed Infront’s business, brand and footprint in the important French market, leaving the company in great shape and well prepared for future growth. We wish him all the very best in his upcoming endeavours with Emirates.
“Alexis Zabel is an ideal fit and trusted choice as a successor. He has been working with Infront for over a decade and contributes over 20 years of experience in the French sports business market. He also provides a most diversified knowledge and extensive network of relationships across the country, including all our valued clients in France. We are looking forward to further expanding our domestic business with him taking the lead and providing much required continuity.”
Earlier in his career, Zabel worked in sales positions at the French arms of rival agencies Sportfive and IMG.
Jeanne added: “My career with Infront has been hugely fulfilling and enabled me to build the domestic French business for a leading player in our industry from the ground up. After more than a decade working for Infront, I leave behind a strong Group company and many good friends. I am now looking forward to changing sides, shaping the sponsorship strategy including sports and events of a leading global airline brand after two decades working in the agency segment.”
Emirates is one of the most active brands in sports sponsorship, with deals in place for major events such as the Fifa World Cup and English FA Cup, Rugby World Cup, tennis’ ATP World Tour, US Open, French Open and Australian Open and ICC Cricket World Cup, as well as a host of golf tournaments and top European football clubs.
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