Dentsu’s MKTG Sports and Entertainment has launched a PR and Talent Marketing division. The team will focus on supporting the development of communications campaigns, messaging, managing proactive and reactive media relations, creating and implementing communications strategy, identifying and managing talent for client campaign, assisting with crisis communications, and live event PR.

The division will also assist the agency’s consulting, creative, events and production teams to provide input on campaigns.

The team will be led by PR veteran Stephanie Rudnick, who brings a wealth of expertise to the Australian market. She was previously Head of PR for Angel City Football Club in LA and led the PR for the launch of the US spring gridiron league, the XFL.

Matt Connell, APAC MD of MKTG Sports and Entertainment said: “Our Sports PR offering, led by Steph Rudnick, is poised to redefine how brands connect with their audiences. Steph's understanding of our market, in just her three years living here, and her vast network will be of great benefit to our current clients as well as teams, athletes, rights holders and brands across the region.”

MKTG Sports and Entertainment has also expanded its Creative Services group, and a centralised approach to its brand and rights holder servicing with increased production capabilities and a strengthened in-stadium sports presentation team.

The agency also announced the appointment of Rachael Sharratt as Head of Client Services and Steve Whately as Head of Business Solutions, both new roles at the agency. Briana Doyle has been elevated to General Manager to lead the transformation of a centralised servicing and delivery unit, the Partnerships and Events team.