Eccles to Head Marketing and Communications

The Football Association has appointed Sky’s former Communications chief Julian Eccles to the new role of Group Director of Marketing and Communications. The position has oversight of a number of functions including public relations, customer relations, media relations, marketing, public affairs and corporate social responsibility.

Mr Eccles was Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs at BSkyB from 2000-05. He is currently Communications Director at the media and telecoms regulator Ofcom. Previous roles include Special Adviser at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Associate Director at the international PR agency Hill & Knowlton, part of the WPP plc marketing group.

The FA conducted a comprehensive recruitment process for this role commencing with a national newspaper advertisement and the involvement of an executive search firm. A strongly competitive field of candidates was considered by a senior FA panel.

FA Chief Executive Ian Watmore said: "I am delighted we have been able to recruit someone of Julian’s calibre and breadth of experience. He comes with exceptional references and I know he will make a big impact for The FA as we face the challenges ahead."

The new role has been created following an organisational review of The FA. This includes the appointment of Adrian Bevington, currently The FA’s Communications Director, becoming Managing Director of Club England.

Mr Eccles will report to the Chief Executive and will commence duties at a time to be confirmed.