Best Pitch Presenter you’ve ever seen:
Lucy Hutchinson, Head of PR at Pitch, has the enviable ability of articulating herself with simplicity and without relying on any nonsense PR jargon.
Best sports marketing campaign:
I still look back at Nike’s ‘Secret Tournament’ as a masterclass in capturing imagination. Iconic in so many ways, Nike has always been a brilliant storyteller.
Best agency (not Pitch):
The Playbook but particularly Becky Hargreaves who is a joy to work with and a great role model.
Best young industry talent:
Guy Dexter, Senior Account Exec at Pitch, has such an infectious enthusiasm to learn and support those around him. He’s also a great bloke.
Best sporting event attended:
The sheer outpouring of emotion at last year’s Women’s Euros Final was insane. It felt like a historic event to be at. Shoutout seeing Lebron James in the flesh for the Lakers too – that was special.
Best sporting event on TV:
Any golf major on a Sunday with Tiger in the mix.
Best brand ambassador:
I quite enjoy Snoop x Just Eat but this could easily be the worst too. I’m not sure but it’s memorable.
Best industry event or conference:
I used to attend a cricket writers quiz in the Long Room at the Oval which was by far the most enjoyable.
Best film containing a scene depicting the sports business:
Air is a brilliant watch and captures the risk / reward nature of marketing very well.
Best book recommendation:
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight about Nike’s creation is class
Best bar or pub:
Lady Ottoline in Holborn
Best restaurant:
Akoko in Fitzrovia
Best holiday resort:
Columbia Beach Resort in Cyprus.
Best Box set:
West Wing is brilliant and doesn’t age.
Best influence on my career:
Ross Brown, now at Shell, has always been great at reminding me not to take things too seriously and the value of cynicism.
Best dinner companions:
Jurgen Klopp, Tiger Woods, Mac Miller, Barack Obama.
Best job in the sports biz:
Golfer or golf commentator.
Best professional regret:
Taking too long to realise the value of sticking your hand up for things.
Best skill you most covet:
Being able to take something complicated and articulate it in simple terms.
Best trait you admire in others:
The ability to laugh easily.
Overrated virtue:
That time spent at a desk translates to productivity.
Best ambition:
A hole-in-one, a 147 or a 9-darter. I would be happy with any of the three