Ogilvy is expanding its Sports & Entertainment offering with an investment by parent WPP in Chapel Hill-based Article 41, a marketing services agency specializing in name, image, and likeness opportunities (NIL) for athletes and brands.   

As part of the new partnership, Vickie Segar, co-founder of Article 41, has been appointed as Global Chief Sports & Entertainment Officer, a new role at Ogilvy.   

She is tasked with leading and expanding the agency’s Sports & Entertainment practice, working with major events and leagues such as FIFA World Cup, Olympics, Formula 1 and MLS, and brands including Coca-Cola, Dove, Powerade, KFC and Samsung.   

Article 41 co-founder Ben Gildin is also taking on a senior role supporting Ogilvy’s sports & entertainment strategy and client partnerships. Meredith Allen, Managing Director of Article 41 and newly appointed Ogilvy North America Influencer Lead, will work with Segar and Gildin.     

Laurent Ezekiel, Global CEO of Ogilvy, stated: “Sports and entertainment is one of the most important spaces for brands to build cultural relevance and connection with consumers.”  

He added that Article 41 “is at the leading edge of where this space is going, with a progressive view of talent and creators, and native social production that captures attention and drives deep engagement.”