Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson has appointed Wasim Haq as head of sport for the India, Middle East and Asia (MEA) region, creating a new, dedicated practice within the firm’s existing global sports practice.

The new appointee will move from London to Delhi at the beginning of next year, with a view to establishing other bases throughout the region. He moves from the role of chief executive at Asia and Africa-focused sports marketing and sponsorship agency Media Star Global, with whom he will retain a non-executive role.

Haq comments: “There is an almost unquenchable thirst for sport in India and the MEA regions, but a shortage of qualified senior executives to run sports businesses is holding back growth of the sector. 

“As part of a global sports practice, our role will be to build confidence for candidates in the long term viability of these opportunities and provide on-the-ground expertise and support for sports organisations in the region.”