The Pools lands former Reebok exec as new marketing director
Sharon Wright to lead on “major growth drive” for the business in 2025 as she is tasked with reintroducing customers to the refreshed brand
The Pools has named former Nike and Adidas head Sharon Wright as the operator’s new marketing director as it looks to ramp up its presence in 2025.
Wright, who spent nearly a decade with Nike as a national account manager, between 1997 and 2006, before taking on the same role with Adidas from 2006 to 2009, joins the business permanently after a period of consulting work.
She also spent three-and-a-half years as a senior brand marketing manager for Reebok, from October 2009 to March 2013 before a spell as the sportswear brand’s global go-to-market director from May 2013 to October 2015.
Wright founded her own consultancy business, Sports Business Growth, in 2017.
In addition, she serves as an adviser for go-to-market strategy for fellow consultancy Skin in the Game, is the chair of PowerPlay the Future, a platform connecting investors and female business founders, and holds an advisory board position for networking firm Everything in Sport.
At The Pools, Wright will be responsible for leading a “major growth drive” for the operator next year.
She will oversee a “new brand campaign at the forefront of a multi-channel, high-profile marketing strategy”.
Her appointment came after The Pools rebranded from The Football Pools last year, shifted to a new tech platform and launched a new website.
Wright will work closely with The Pools CEO James Arnold in her new role and will report directly to COO Steve Talbot.
Speaking on her appointment, Wright said: “I came to The Pools as a consultant and I always knew the value of this iconic brand. The immense amount of potential I could see to help take this back to where it belongs was an opportunity I could not resist.
“Coupled with the fact I get to work with James and Steve who I greatly admire. They are a dynamic force, proven in the industry and their energy and drive is infectious and something I wanted to be part of.
“It’s an exciting moment for us as we relaunch this iconic brand with a campaign that celebrates its timeless appeal while connecting with today’s audience in new and engaging ways. It showcases our investment in our products and customer experience.”
Arnold added: “We wanted some fresh thinking when it comes to marketing, and with Sharon’s experience at such global sporting brands, combined with her outstanding background in growth strategy, it was clear she was the ideal candidate for this position.
“We are excited she is joining the team and look forward to her integral role in the future of our successes.”
Arnold Ash is EGR’s Executive Recruitment Partner. They support ambitious organisations to identify and attract industry leading executive talent. Find out more here.