The Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), the international ice hockey league, has appointed the Agency Partnership as its international communications partner. The Agency Partnership is retained to support the league’s media and influencer engagement and monitoring efforts globally, heading an operation to increase awareness and attendance in key European and Asian markets.

This collaboration marks the first time KHL has worked with an international PR agency, as it gears-up for further expansion into new markets. Last month saw the latest edition of the 2018 KHL World Games with the first ever regular season game in Zurich, Switzerland. With plans to move further into western Europe well underway, the appointment of the Agency Partnership comes at a strategically important time for the growing League.

Blair Metcalfe, CEO and creative lead at the Agency Partnership, says, “KHL is a fascinating client to take on, particularly as it’s at a pivotal moment in its international expansion programme. Working with our network partners, we can’t wait to meet the challenge of bringing KHL to new audiences and helping it secure the attention and fans it deserves.”

Sergey Dobrokhvalov, marketing and communications vice-president at KHL, adds, “Working with the Agency Partnership will provide us with the expert support we need to develop and execute a communications strategy for our exciting growth plans, helping attract audiences to enjoy some of the best ice hockey you can find anywhere in the world.”

This appointment follows quickly on the back of another recent client win for the firm; VINCI UK Developments, which has appointed the Agency Partnership to support with stakeholder relations and integrated consumer, public affairs and corporate communications for developments across the UK.

Metcalfe adds, “This is an exciting time at the Agency Partnership. We continue expand our team and further broaden our client mix with engagements that provide opportunities to demonstrate the scale and the standard of our capabilities.”