Surrey County Cricket Club has announced that The Oval, part of Lime Venue Portfolio, will be renamed the Kia Oval.
Following a statement by Surrey County Cricket Club in December that Kia will be taking over the sponsorship of The Oval, the international car manufacturer has been given full and exclusive naming rights to the historic ground.
Paul Sheldon, Chief Executive of Surrey County Cricket Club said: “To sign a deal with a leading international brand such as Kia is a fantastic boost to the Club."
"It is also hugely beneficial to us that we have been able to agree a five year deal as this allows us to plan for the future – both financially and on the field – with certainty.”
Michael Cole, Kia Motors (UK) Ltd Managing Director said: "We are delighted to be linked with such an iconic location as The Oval - it is rightly famous around the world - and as our UK headquarters are in Weybridge it is a privilege to be so closely linked with Surrey County Cricket Club.”
The Kia Oval is known for the versatility of its event spaces, from the conference suites and roof terrace of the £25 million OCS Stand to the history and exclusivity of the Pavilion’s Long Room.
Lime Venue Portfolio expects the desirability of the Kia Oval as an iconic London venue for meetings and events to grow further during 2011, with the heightened demand for unique venues caused in part by the ‘Olympic Effect’.
Lime Venue Portfolio has confirmed that the Kia Oval has bolstered its Sales and Marketing department as the venue gears up for a busy 2011 in the conference and events market.
Rebecca Hawksworth has joined the team as Sales Manager, having moved from National Maritime Museum. Formally Sales and Marketing Manager at the Museum, she was also a Board Member of the Unique Venues of London.
Denise Jefferies has also been recruited as Business Development Manager, having moved from Arsenal Football Club, where she was Meetings and Events Sales Manager.
Rebecca Hawksworth, Sales Manager at the Kia Oval said: “It’s a very exciting time to be joining the Kia Oval. With the rebrand we have the ability to reinvent the venue and its offering in the lead up to a busy 2011/ 2012."
"We have been working hard over the past month to establish new conference and banqueting products that meet our client’s requirements as well as being better value for money.”
Louise Amphlett, Head of Lime Venue Portfolio said: “The new rebrand will begin a new chapter in the history of the venue and we are very excited about 2011 at the Kia Oval."
"We have helped facilitate the restructure and are sure the new appointments will help continue to drive the business forward and ensure that it remains an important part of our portfolio.”
