The Infront Sports & Media agency has appointed Anne Zhao as the new managing director of its Infront China division with immediate effect.
Working with Infront China from around the time of its inception in 2005, Zhao has previously held the role as director of finance and administration. Her appointment as managing director follows her ad interim leadership in recent months amid the search for a new senior executive in the wake of Winston Zhang’s departure as chief executive.
Under the new appointment, Ma Guoli will continue to represent Infront China through his role as chairman of the board.
Philippe Blatter, Infront’s president and chief executive, said: “Over the years, we have seen Anne develop strong relationships within the global Infront network, and are convinced that her placement in this influential position will further strengthen knowledge transfer across the Infront offices in Europe and Asia. Building upon the current momentum of sports in China, Anne will ensure continuity in the region as our group strides towards ambitious targets and promising ventures under its new shareholder.”
Zhao added: “With an exciting era ahead for the Chinese sports landscape, we will further broaden business operations – aiming to contribute substantially to the development of Chinese sport and its international impact.”
In February, Infront Sports & Media was acquired by Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda from private equity company Bridgepoint in a deal worth about €1.05bn ($1.15bn).