Aon and Manchester United, the world’s most popular football club, have announced a new ground-breaking program that will harness the high levels of awareness both organizations enjoy into a unique state of the art business-to-business network and community engagement programs.
In 2014 Aon plans to transition into a second phase of its relationship with Manchester United by becoming the title sponsor of both Manchester United’s Business Network and the Manchester United Foundation.
Aon continues to be the Manchester United Primary Shirt Sponsor for two more seasons.
Aon’s primary reason for its original shirt partnership was to unite its over 60,000 colleagues world-wide, across 120 countries. Aon has made great progress on that objective while achieving its brand awareness objectives, with metrics now consistent with global iconic brands.
“One thing Aon and Manchester United understand is the need to use different strategies to reach different objectives – and both of us are very focused on achieving objectives,” says David Gill, Club CEO. “Aon continues to be everything that any business could want from a partner with strong relationships at every level within our business – and we look to build similar relationships with Aon and their prospective clients for years to come.”
“The first phase of our partnership, which continues into 2014, was focused on uniting our firm and the colleagues in it while reinforcing the brand of Aon,” Aon Plc CEO Greg Case said. “The second phase is intended to continue this momentum but with even more of a focus around clients and communities. We are very excited about continuing this new dimension of our partnership with Manchester United over the long-term.”
Manchester United’s Business Network is an organization where sponsors, global executives and heads of state can gather to discuss critical issues in the economy such as global risks, cross-border trade, supply chains, energy resources, talent, healthcare, high performing teams and diversity – all in the context of a shared interest in the world’s global game and the world’s number one team.
Aon is also scheduled to become the title sponsor of the Manchester United Foundation, continuing a shared focus on helping communities at risk and empowering economic and human possibility across the globe. Aon and Manchester United have worked together on global initiatives bringing attention to pressing issues, including:
Pass It On – A program where three Manchester United Footballs embarked on an eight-month journey across six continents, engaging clients, colleagues and communities. The balls covered philanthropic events supporting the Man Utd Foundation and charities across the world.
Find a Better Way – a charity founded by Sir Bobby Charlton to develop new and more effective ways of identifying and removing the millions of landmines that cause untold suffering in communities around the world. Aon has been proud to lead the drive across the globe to raise the funding needed to support the charity’s research and development programme, as well as landmine removal, preventive education, and healthcare to support those affected.
As part of the program, Aon also is looking forward to the opportunity to continue working with and promoting Manchester United’s soccer schools, dedicated to the development of young people with a passion for the game.
Aon would also like to congratulate GM and Chevy on their decision to becoming Manchester United’s primary shirt sponsor starting at the end of the 2014 season.
