EPCR appoints new Marketing and Commercial Director

EPCR, the organiser of the European Rugby Champions Cup and Challenge Cup tournaments, has today announced the appointment of Carsten Couchouron as Marketing and Commercial Director.

Carsten Couchouron has almost 20 years of experience in the marketing, sales, licensing and partnership development sectors of the sports and entertainment industries during which he has worked for Infront Sports & Media, Swatch, FIFA and International Sports & Leisure.

Most recently he was Commercial Director of the FEI (International Equestrian Federation) based in Lausanne, Switzerland.

He moves to EPCR's headquarters in Neuchatel to join a team consisting of experienced personnel who have transferred from Dublin as well as new employees from France and Switzerland led by Director General, Vincent Gaillard.

Simon Halliday, EPCR Chairman, said: "Carsten will bring expertise and a deep understanding of the sports business to the role of Marketing and Commercial Director. This is a key appointment for the organisation as we continue to develop our commercial programme with the aim of growing our financial distribution to Europe's professional clubs."

Vincent Gaillard, EPCR Director General, said: "We are delighted to have secured Carsten's services and his knowledge of the marketing and commercial functions in the sports sector makes him an ideal fit for our team in Neuchatel. The tournaments have an exciting future and he will play a major part in their development."

Carsten Couchouron, who will take up the post on 1 September, said: "I am delighted to join the team at EPCR at such an exciting time and to be given the opportunity of being part of driving European club rugby forward while building on its strong foundations and heritage. I am looking forward to working with the clubs, leagues and national federations to grow the tournaments and to fully develop their commercial potential."

Biographical details

Carsten previously held senior management positions with the FEI (International Equestrian Federation), Infront Sports & Media and Swatch, and has also worked in the areas of marketing, sponsorship, E-Commerce and licensing for FIFA, ISL and Disney Consumer Products.

A dual national of France and Germany, he has a Master's in Business Administration and Management from the ESCP Europe and has lectured on the Advanced Studies in Sports Administration and Technology Masters programme at the University of Lausanne.

He is fluent in French, English and German.

For more information, contact:

Mark Jones

Communications Manager

Mob: +41 799 264 247

email: mark.jones@epcrugby.com

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