Octagon launches specialist agency focusing on sport’s role in driving social change

Sports marketing agency Octagon has launched a new division called No2ndPlace which seeks to use sport to generate awareness around a range of issues and bring about social change.

Focusing on the role sport plays as a catalyst for change, No2ndPlace will help brands, sporting bodies, and not-for-profit organisations, drive awareness of societal issues and deliver impactful action and progress.

Launching initially in Australia, Ben Hartman will lead the venture as Managing Director alongside some of Australia’s strongest social advocates for change through sport, including world champion Paralympian and gold medallist, Madison De Rozario, AFL great and former Australian of the Year Adam Goodes, former Socceroo and human rights and refugee campaigner, Craig Foster and former Wallaby and climate and marriage-equality advocate, David Pocock.

Introducing No2ndPlace, Hartman, who will retain his current role as Octagon’s Chief Client Officer while heading the new agency, commented “spport is a powerful platform to drive conversation and change, and we have a huge opportunity to influence many around the world during the major global events taking place in Australia over the next decade.

“Those involved in sport, be it governing bodies, brands, or other organizations, have the chance and responsibility to stand for more and use their platform to drive change.”

Octagon Sports and Entertainment Network Chief Executive, John Shea added “smart brands and organizations understand that championing positive social influence is not only the right thing to do, but the only way to operate.

“No2ndPlace is an ongoing and important evolution in our business, which we hope will drive and foster further progress across sports and society.”

No2ndPlace will work with a combination of existing Octagon team members including award-winning Executive Creative Director, Lizi Hamer while Julia Richter, also from the parent, becomes a Senior Account Manager.

Image: No2ndPlace and its social advocates. Credit: Octagon.