EPCR welcomes John Barton as Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer

EPCR, organiser of the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup, is delighted to announce the appointment of John Barton as Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer.

Barton joins from TEAM Marketing, where he led the commercial development and sales of sponsorship and licensing rights for Uefa’s men’s football club competitions.

Bringing with him over 20 years of experience at TEAM Marketing, not only in sponsorship and licensing but also in media rights and event operations, as both a former media rights lawyer and project lead for Uefa club competition season operations and finals, Barton will head up the Commercial, Marketing and Broadcast teams at EPCR

In addition, Barton will spearhead the World Champions Cup project alongside CEO Jacques Raynaud.

Raynaud said of his appointment: “We have made a really strong appointment in John to lead the Commercial, Broadcast and Marketing teams at EPCR.

“These are three crucial areas of revenue generation for EPCR and John’s strong leadership will ensure we are maximising our opportunities to return revenue back to our leagues and clubs.

“John’s superb background extends across legal and business affairs, event operations and sponsorship sales and delivery.

“We are confident John will bolster the current leadership team and bring new energy and experience, as well as working closely with me to progress our World Champions Cup project.”

Barton added: “I am really excited to be joining Jacques and the team at EPCR and am looking forward to working together to grow the existing competitions, which showcase the very best of international club rugby and to develop future opportunities.’’

Barton began his role on Monday and will be based out of EPCR’s Lausanne headquarters.