O2 hires Heineken marketer Given for top sponsorship job

Given, who headed up the marketing for brands such as John Smith's and Foster's, will join the mobile brand in January. He replaces former sponsorship head Simon Freedman, who left for GlaxoSmithKline in March after less than a year in the role.

While at Heineken, Given was responsible for introducing the comedy-led marketing strategy for Foster's, including its ‘Good Call’ ad campaign and the revival of popular TV comedies, ‘The Return of Alan Partridge’ and ‘The Fast Show’.

He will now head O2's range of entertainment and sport sponsorship deals, including O2-branded music venues and its backing of the England rugby union team.

Prior to joining the brewer, Given held a number of roles across Procter & Gamble, including brand director for its UK feminine care division, which covers its Always, Tampax and Alldays brands.

This article was first published on marketingmagazine.co.uk