IMG appoints new MENA senior VP and MD

Sports, events, and talent management company International Management Group (IMG) has announced that it has hired David Collins as senior vice president and managing director, MENA. Collins brings more than 20 years of experience with him, also having spent the last decade working in the Middle East, and will be based in Dubai, UAE. He most recently served as Wasserman’s SVP, head fof growth and development, EMEA, and launched Wasserman’s Middle East business in 2014. During his time in the Middle East, Collins played a commercial role in establishing golf’s Race to Dubai, assisted Emirates NBD on its Expo 2020 Dubai partnership, and launched Abu Dhabi’s first elite-level women’s professional sports event with the Ladies European Tour. In addition to managing the regional team, Collins will oversee and be responsible for driving IMG’s MENA events and global partnerships business. These will include the Mubadala World Tennis Championship, Lusail Winter Wonderland, and the Arab Gulf Cup. Collins will report to Robbie Henchman – President of Global Partnerships for IMG Events, IMG Media and On Location. Henchman said: “Through his impressive track record of establishing and delivering world-class events and partnerships with federations, key government stakeholders and leading brands, David brings extensive regional experience, expertise, and relationships to this role.” Collins commented: “It’s such an exciting time for the Middle East region, off the back of mega events such as Expo 2020 and FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The opportunities for further regional growth look incredibly bright.”