Sports products & clothing retailer Sports Direct has today announced the appointment of ex-Manchester United Director Peter Draper as a senior adviser to its online news platform Sports Direct News (SDN).
Formerly operating as Group Marketing Director for the football club, Draper has been appointed by the retailer to strengthen its business development team as it seeks to become one of the top providers of sports news by 2015.
Draper will spearhead SDN‘s strategy to entice major brands which have a view to achieving greater interaction with sports fans, Sports Direct said.
“Securing the services of someone like Peter is a major coup for us,” explained SDN‘s Managing Director Oskar Thorvaldsson.
“He is a class act who works at the highest level.
“His track record is second to none. His marketing and brand vision will be invaluable as we continue to build, and we are delighted to be able to work with someone who is widely regarded as being a quality operator.”
Launched last month,the news site developed as a £1 million joint venture between the retailer and My London News and recorded 500,000 unique visitors in its first live month following a soft launch.
Delivering over 80 stories daily, the site covers a wide range of sports news, including Premier League footfall, rugby union, F1 and tennis.
Commenting on his appointment, Draper said: “I am delighted to be joining Sports Direct News at the start of its journey.
“It has an energy and excitement about it and its sports news coverage is impressive.
“I want to grow the brand and help it build on its great start.”
