McLaren’s "long-standing" Marketing Dir Ekrem Sami announced that he will "step down before the start of the new season" as the Formula 1 team "embarks on a new era in his leadership." Sami will depart his role at the end of March, "drawing to an end a 35-year career with the Woking-based team." He said, "I don't mind admitting that it feels a bit strange to be announcing that I'm moving on from McLaren. ... But now is the right time." Sami's departure "comes during a period of restructure" for the F1 team (THE DRUM, 2/16).
U.K. bookmaker Sun Bets announced it will "sponsor English National League South side Sutton United" for its upcoming FA Cup fifth round tie against Arsenal. The one-time sponsorship "will see the Sun Bets logo printed on the front of Sutton United match day shirts for the FA Cup tie which will be televised live on BBC 1" on Feb. 20 (SBC NEWS, 2/15).
Sunsail will support Southampton Sailing Week, "stepping on board as an official event partner." The company is also the title sponsor of the week’s corporate challenge, "which will see businesses from across the Solent and beyond battle it out on the water for victory" (BDAILY, 2/16).
Tech firm Atos was confirmed as the first official supporter of the Glasgow 2018 European Championships as the timing, scoring and results provider. Atos will provide TV graphics services for cycling, golf, gymnastics and triathlon, as well as TV graphics highlights packages for all sports (Atos).
The Int'l Volleyball Federation (FIVB) named Senoh Corp. an official supplier of volleyball and beach volleyball equipment for all FIVB events and the Olympic Games. The partnership -- which will run from '17 through the 2024 Games -- will see Senoh provide posts, pads, nets, antennae, referee chairs and floor apparatus for volleyball, and court lines and post bases for beach volleyball (FIVB).
National Rugby League side Parramatta announced ALAND Developments as a new major sponsor, with the property development and construction company joining the club as the sleeve sponsor (NRL).
Shinty's Camanachd Cup secured sponsorship from Scottish homebuilder Tulloch Homes for four years. Tulloch Homes will be the third sponsor for the competition (SCOTSMAN, 2/16).
Huawei announced it will sponsor Pakistan Super League 2017 team Lahore Qalandars (PAKISTAN TRIBE, 2/15).
