Sports marketing agency Synergy has appointed music, marketing and entertainment exec ARNON WOOLFSON to head up a new division specializing in "creating entertainment strategies, partnerships and campaigns." Woolfson has a 15-year "track record in creating strategies for brands, artists and labels." After roles at Sanctuary Group PLC & Entertainment Media Research, Woolfson worked at Sony Music Int'l as director of alliances EMEA during '07-09, "developing partnerships and alliances between blue-chip global brands and artists." In his new role, "Woolfson will have a global remit, reporting to Synergy CEO TIM CROW in London" (MUSIC BUSINESS WORLDWIDE, 1/20). ... RHODRI BOWN has been promoted to head of performance analysis at the Welsh Rugby Union to replace RHYS LONG, who is leaving to take up a role with the FA. MARC KINNAIRD, who worked alongside the national squad in '09 and '13, joins Bown and ANDREW HUGHES from the WRU national academy to complete the team of three analysts (RUNNING RUGBY, 1/21). ... Williams F1 and its charity partner Spinal Injuries Association announced that Deputy Team Principal CLAIRE WILLIAMS will become the charity's VP. The SIA provided support to Williams' father, team Founder FRANK WILLIAMS, after he injured his spinal cord in a car accident in '86. She will be an advocate for the spinal cord injured community (Williams F1). ...
ESPANYOL APPOINTMENTS: La Liga side Espanyol announced that CARLOS GARCÍA PONT will be its VP and RAMÓN ROBERT will become the club's CEO. JORGE SARRÓ RIU was named administrative council secretary and IÑAKI FRÍAS was named vice-secretary of the administrative council. These appointments were announced during CHEN YANSHENG's first press conference as club president (MARCA, 1/21).
COACHES/MANAGERS: League Two side Leyton Orient has appointed former West Ham midfielder KEVIN NOLAN as player-manager. He agreed to a two-and-a-half-year contract at the Matchroom Stadium. Orient has been without a boss since head coach IAN HENDON was dismissed on Monday following a run of four wins in 21 league games (BBC, 1/21). ... Super Rugby champion side Highlanders Manager JAMIE JOSEPH has been named head coach of the Japan Brave Blossoms. Joseph, who played 20 tests for the All Blacks between '92-95 and nine for Japan, "representing the country at the 1999 World Cup, will take charge of Japan at the completion of the Super Rugby season." EDDIE JONES, who announced "his decision to leave Japan in August before leading the team to its historic three wins at last year's Rugby World Cup." Jones "has since gone on to become the England coach" (JAPAN TIMES, 1/21). ... SHANE RICHARDSON will take over as National Rugby League side South Sydney's GM of football (SMH, 1/21).
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