Former Media.Figaro adjunct Marketing Dir BAPTISTE HURIEZ “has joined Ligue 1 side Nantes as its marketing director.” He will be in charge of “developing the revenues generated by partnerships, merchandising and ticketing” (CB NEWS, 9/6). ... JAMES GIBBONS has been appointed to the newly created role of exec VP, head of product & business development for Discovery Networks Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa. He will report to Discovery Networks CEEMEA President & Managing Dir KASIA KIELI. Part of his remit will include overseeing CEEMEA’s central commercial, creative and product development teams (BROADBAND TV NEWS, 9/7).
COACHES/MANAGERS: A-League side Newcastle Jets confirmed that the club "parted ways" with head coach SCOTT MILLER with immediate effect. The Jets' ownership and senior management made the decision on Wednesday "based on differences related to football matters within the club." No time frame "has yet been set for the appointment of a new head coach" (ESPN.com, 9/7). ... Super Rugby side Western Force appointed former assistant DAVE WESSELS as senior coach "for the next two Super Rugby seasons," while captain MATT HODGSON is "on the verge of re-signing." Wessels replaces MICHAEL FOLEY, "who was sacked in June following the club's disastrous 2016 campaign." At 33, Wessels is the "youngest current coach in Super ranks" (AAP, 9/7). ... WARREN GATLAND has been named British and Irish Lions coach "for the second time and will lead them" on the '17 tour of New Zealand. The Kiwi will "step down from his job with Wales" and be replaced on a temporary basis by ROB HOWLEY. The Lions have not won a series against New Zealand since '71. Gatland: "When I was offered the position, it was definitely a 'Yes' straightaway." Gatland intends to travel to New Zealand on Thursday with former England captain and Tour Manager JOHN SPENCER "to start planning" (BBC, 9/7).
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