Sport Event Management

Nathalie Zimmermann

Due to her background at large marketing companies as Yves Rocher, Mars Confectionery, M6, Nathalie is able to share with her clients reliable work methodologies, an inside understanding of corporate sponsors’ expectations, and a deep knowledge of medias.

Nathalie started her career in the sports industry in 1994 when she joined the organising committee of the French World Cup in 1998 as a marketing and sponsoring department manager. It was the first commercial success of a sports event in France, generating a turnover of 150M€ and contributing to a 45M€ profit. The French World Cup 1998 launched a new era for sports marketing in France both for the strategic approach and its implementation.

In 2001, Nathalie co-founded her first consulting company, LZA Business Development, which contributed until 2007 to develop the image and revenues of some the largest sports organisations in France and Europe such as: World Athletics Championships Paris 2003, European Athletics Championships Göteborg 2006, Rugby World Cup France 2007. They all exceeded their initial commercial objectives thanks to an ambitious and innovative marketing, communication and commercial strategy. Besides, Nathalie has completed different assignments for multiple federations or right holders as diverse as the organism for the promotion of French mountains. LZA Business Development was acquired by Sportfive in 2007 (Lagardère Unlimited group) and Nathalie became Vice-President of Sportfive France in charge of its development. This experience helped her understand football clubs’ business models and what is commercially at stake concerning the stadiums.

In 2008, Nathalie created NZConsulting in London. NZConsulting is a small strategic consultancy agency that gathers talented consultants and a network of international experts. This structure permits to offer tailor-made solutions by activating the best resources available according to the clients’ needs. Since the company’s launch, Nathalie has advised premium companies and organisations including Visit London, Royal Opera House (London), l’Automobile Club de l’Ouest (including les 24 Heures du Mans) and several French federations including Tennis, Football, Badminton and professional football clubs…

Through her different assignments, Nathalie has managed important teams and has helped companies and managers optimise and develop projects.

Nathalie graduated from E.S.S.C.A business school in 1990 and teaches seminars in Sports Management at ESC Toulouse, ESSEC business school and EuroMed Marseille. She is co-Chair of the SME Club at the French Chamber of Commerce and in 2009 created the Sport Business « Prix de la Personnalité » in collaboration with Kantar Media, Les Echos and Eurosport.

A mother of three, Nathalie is fond of sports. She participated in the French Cross Country Championship and finished two marathons. She also practices swimming and skiing assiduously.

Lien : NZ-Consulting