Consultant employs new associate director for real estate division

Mike Farnan has joined Capita Symonds’ real estate division as associate director.

He has previously been an executive director at Sheffield United and managing director of Manchester United International, a division charged with growing the premier league champion’s brand across Asia, the Middle East and Oceania.

He has also worked with a number of Formula One teams including Jordan and Williams, developing and securing commercial sponsorship and licensing programmes.

While with Sheffield United, Farnan delivered the Visit Malta shirt sponsorship deal. This direct sponsorship from a tourist authority and government was a first in football, and its multi-layered approach at community, sporting, and media levels created a highly successful and unique partnership. In 2010 the sponsorship was shortlisted for the Hollis Award for outstanding sponsor partnerships.

Mark Norris, executive director at Capita Symonds, said: “There are many intrinsic links between business, real estate and sport, and Mike’s commercial acumen and relationships with many leading global clients and brands will undoubtedly create some great opportunities.

“Mike’s skills are a perfect fit with the comprehensive professional services expertise we have within Capita Symonds and we look forward to working together on a number of high profile investments and projects.”

In addition to his role with Capita, Farnan is on the advisory board of FC New York and also heads up RedStrike Marketing which represents leading brands that invest in sport.

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