Chelsea communications director to join England 2018 bid

Simon Greenberg

By Duncan Mackay

November 16 – Simon Greenberg (pictured), the communications and public affairs director at Chelsea, has been appointed as chief of staff for England’s 2018 World Cup bid with special responsibilities with strategic communications.

Greenberg, who announced in September that he was leaving the Premiership leaders, will officially take up his new role on December 1.

Andy Anson, the chief executive of England 2018, said: “Simon’s qualities and experience mean he is an excellent addition to what is already an extremely strong team.

“The bid’s overall level of expertise in the campaign area will be greatly enhanced in the final 12 months before FIFA make their announcement.

“I am delighted he is joining us and I have no doubt he will prove an impressive addition to the existing team.”

Greenberg, a former sports journalist with the Mail on Sunday – where he broke the story about George Graham and bungs that led to the Arsenal manager getting sacked – and Evening Standard, already had a role in the World Cup campaign as the chairman of London United, a group of leading executives from a number of major stakeholders within the capital working on the bid.

He said: “It is an honour to be given the opportunity to help England try and win the right to host the World Cup.

“A great deal of excellent work has already been done by the team and I am looking forward to helping build on those strong foundations in the final year and focusing on the sole aim of winning the vote in December 2010.”

Greenberg will attend meetings of the full Board and the newly formed Advisory Group, along with Simon Johnson, the chief operating officer.

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