GroupM has announced the addition of John Kristick to the company in the newly created role of global CEO, Entertainment and Sports Partnerships (GroupM ESP).

Kristick will report to GroupM global CEO Irwin Gotlieb, and work at building relationships between the network’s clients and major sports teams, leagues and rights holders.

Before joining GroupM, Kristick worked as managing director of Premier Partnerships. He has also held positions at the USA Bid Committee, the organization that led the US to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

“I’m excited to become part of GroupM ESP,” said Kristick in a release. “I look forward to working with major brands and rights holders around the world to create the strongest possible partnerships that recognize today’s trends and deliver the sophistication that marketers and consumers demand.”