New Game Changer Methodology from Burson-Marsteller and TSE Consulting Offers Sports a Route from Crisis to Future Growth

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, April 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Burson-Marsteller, a leading global strategic communications and public relations firm, and TSE Consulting, Burson-Marsteller's newly acquired international sports consulting firm, have published a white paper introducing their new Game Changer methodology for reform of sports governing bodies. Titled "Implementing Good Governance Principles in Sports Organisations," the white paper also outlines how such reform can turn the current reputational crisis across the industry into an opportunity for future growth.

A qualitative survey conducted by Burson-Marsteller and TSE Consulting among a selection of blue-chip sponsors and sports host cities reveals the depth of the current crisis in the industry. Ninety-two (92) percent of city decision-makers say that governance issues are a major concern when deciding to bid for a sport event. Sixty (60) percent of sponsors polled say that the current situation is affecting whether they will partner with a sports federation.

In a speech today at the SportAccord Summit in Lausanne, Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO of WPP, which owns Burson-Marsteller and TSE Consulting, told the global gathering of international sports federations (IFs): "Sport has the ability to heal divisions, transcend differences and inspire generations. It is about belief, commitment and purpose, values that sports organisations should be building their brands around and promoting in society." Sorrell, who wrote the forward to the white paper, added, "From the challenges facing sports governing bodies spring tremendous opportunities to rebuild, enhance reputations and adapt for the future."

Donald A. Baer, Worldwide Chair and CEO of Burson-Marsteller, said the new white paper provided IFs with a practical and powerful model for reform. "Mere compliance, or simply updating the rules and regulations, will not be enough to repair the damaged reputations of IFs or for them to regain the trust of their key stakeholders.  To change perceptions and build new trust, IFs must first clearly define their fundamental purpose in this new era. Purpose must be the foundation of their reform strategy – which, in turn, must be communicated widely to their stakeholders."  

Recognising the complexities facing sports governing bodies, Burson-Marsteller and TSE Consulting have developed the Game Changer model, a step-by-step methodology which combines good governance criteria with a powerful reform and communications strategy. Game Changer has two distinct phases. The Realignment phase includes defining the organisation's purpose, gathering relevant information and stakeholder opinions via polling and then repositioning the organisation accordingly. The organisation in question would then be in a position to complete its governance and compliance overhaul. The second, or Roll Out, phase includes developing the communications strategy to support the governance changes, putting the plan into action and measuring the ensuing results.

TSE Consulting Managing Director Lars Haue-Pedersen said: "Our new model provides a valuable tool for any sports organisation to implement real reform, but it also offers sports bodies an exciting opportunity to turn what would otherwise be just a painful obligation to reform into a platform for future growth. We have made the model simple, quick and practical to use, so that IFs can begin the process of real governance reform immediately."

The new white paper is available here.  

About Burson-Marsteller
Burson-Marsteller, established in 1953, is a leading global strategic communications and public relations firm. It provides clients with strategic thinking and program execution across a full range of public relations, public affairs, reputation and crisis management, advertising and digital strategies. The firm's seamless worldwide network consists of 73 offices and 85 affiliate offices, together operating in 110 countries across six continents. Burson-Marsteller is a part of Young & Rubicam Group, a subsidiary of WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY), the world's leader in communications services. For more information, please visit www.burson-marsteller.com.

About TSE Consulting
TSE Consulting is a Burson-Marsteller company. As an international consulting firm specialised in sport, TSE helps its clients (public sector bodies and sports organisations) in four highly inter-related practice areas that are fundamental to driving sport forward: events, performance, participation and facilities. TSE has published two books: "The New Sports Organisation" and "Developing a winning sports event strategy"; and is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, with regional offices in Europe, North and South America. For more information, please visit www.tseconsulting.com.

SOURCE Burson-Marsteller

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