October First Friday Networking Breakfast

FIRST FRIDAY NETWORKING BREAKFAST

FRIDAY, 7 October

We’re excited to welcome you back to the Consulate General of Ireland for our 7th October First Friday Networking Breakfast.

We are delighted to be joined by Dr Ian Flanagan, CEO of Munster Rugby.

Originally an academic, Ian was a tutor at Christ Church, Oxford. He joined leading talent agency CSS Stellar in 2000 and oversaw the commercial strategy for several Formula 1 teams, Ryder Cup golfers and Olympians, including the Team GB Rowing Coxless 4. As Head of Marketing, he worked with both the England Football and England Rugby squads through the “Team England” commercial rights programme (2001-2006). At CSS he also pioneered brand partnerships on behalf of Keira Knightley, Ewan McGregor and Kate Winslet and with the James Bond franchise.

Subsequently, Ian was managing director of Treble Sports. In his role at Treble, Ian was centrally involved in the commercial rights strategy in South Africa for the British and Irish Lions Tour to SA in 2009, the FIFA World Cup 2010, Stormers Rugby, Newlands Stadium, Cape Town Stadium and the Cape Town Rugby 7’s tournament.

He has been a senior sports consultant to DHL, creating the company’s global sports strategy and advising on their Rugby World Cup, Lions Rugby and Formula 1 sponsorships. He created and negotiated the first ever stand-alone training kit partnership in the English Premier League, between DHL and Manchester United in 2011.

He was commercial director at Leicester City FC, during which time the club won the Premier League title, and he was also a member of the Premier League commercial rights advisory board.

A native of Cork City, Ireland, Ian was appointed as CEO of Munster Rugby at the end of 2019 and is focused on returning Munster to the very top of global rugby, on and off the pitch. Ian will be interviewed by NY-based sports journalist John Riordan.

Come hear about events that will be of interest to the Irish diaspora and catch up with the latest cultural and business news. This is a great opportunity to connect with the Irish & Irish American community in the greater New York region, as well as to enjoy some tea, sausages and other Irish goodies in the company of old friends. We also welcome those visiting or just arrived from Ireland who are seeking an introduction to the community here in New York. Make sure to spread the word, and we hope to see you all here on Friday, 7th October at 8am!