Ross Cook, the Senior Tecnical Sponsorships Manager at Macron, thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where no two days are the same. His responsibilities stretch across regions such as the UK, Ireland, North America, and Oceania. “I focus on building and nurturing relationships with clubs and federations,” Ross explains, “while managing a variety of responsibilities. This includes account management, developing long-term partnerships, and overseeing day-to-day operations. I handle everything from business development to identifying new growth opportunities.”
Internally, Ross coordinates teams and collaborates with external stakeholders. “I oversee budgets, track statistics, and produce detailed reports to keep everything on track,” he says. “I act as the central point of contact, ensuring smooth communication between design, modeling, industrialization, accessories, and PR teams.”
Fifteen Years of Growth and Transformation
Ross is about to celebrate 15 years with Macron, a milestone he reflects on with pride. “I joke that this makes me a bronze medallist in company tenure,” he says with a laugh. “To be a gold medallist, you’d have had to start before 2004!”
Over the years, his role has grown significantly alongside the company itself. When Ross first started, his work was primarily reactive, addressing challenges as they arose. “Thanks to our CEO’s focus on personal and professional growth, my role became more strategic,” he shares. “I’ve taken on responsibilities like merchandising and PR coordination, which weren’t part of my role initially.”
Ross remembers when the sports marketing team was a small group of three, including himself. “Despite our size, we managed an impressive number of sponsored clubs,” he recalls. Today, the team has grown dramatically to match the increasing complexity of Macron’s operations.
Key Milestones in Macron’s Evolution
Ross has witnessed Macron undergo significant transformations during his tenure. In May 2020, the company moved into a custom-built, eco-friendly headquarters – a milestone aligned with its 4 the Planet initiative. “The space continues to evolve,” he says. “We’re already planning expansions, including additional buildings, gyms, and other facilities to accommodate our growth.”
Technology has also played a pivotal role in Macron’s development. “When I joined, we were transitioning from older systems to Microsoft, and not long after, to SAP,” Ross explains. “Now, we’re adapting constantly, shifting from B2C to B2B and now B2B2C. One of my favorite things to do is show visitors how much we’ve improved our warehouse operations based on customer feedback.”
Macron’s brand identity has also evolved significantly. “For years, we focused purely on performance,” Ross says, “but now, we’re refining our visual and emotional appeal. Being based in Motor Valley -alongside brands like Ducati, Ferrari, and Lamborghini – perfectly symbolizes our journey. We’ve built the perfect engine, and now we’re adding the finishing touches, making it as beautiful as it is functional.”
The Art of Building Relationships
Building relationships is at the core of Ross’s role. Whether it’s establishing new agreements or strengthening existing partnerships, the key element is always the same: trust.
“Within the company, I often act as a bridge between departments. Sometimes, last-minute changes are needed and collaboration across teams is what makes it possible. These are situations that require empathy, teamwork, and relationships built over time.”
Ross believes that strong connections built during smooth times are what help teams navigate challenges. “When everything is going well – sales are high, and the press is praising the new collection – it feels easy. But during tougher moments, like when a new commercial director arrives with a completely different vision, those relationships are what make the difference.”
Motivations and Challenges
One of the aspects Ross values most about Macron is its family-oriented culture. “There’s a deep sense of belonging here,” he says. “Even as we grow, we make an effort to ensure new team members feel part of the Macron family.”
Ross fondly recalls team-building experiences, particularly during major rugby events, as key moments that strengthened this culture. On a personal level, he appreciates the support he’s received during challenging times.
“The dynamic nature of my role keeps me energized,” he adds. “I’ve had jobs before where I dreaded Sunday nights, but here, I go to bed excited about the week ahead. Every day brings new ideas and challenges, which is what I thrive on.”
Ross also credits Macron’s leadership for his motivation, especially the CEO’s forward-thinking vision. “He has this incredible ability to see what’s coming,” Ross remarks. “I joke that he’s part robot because I’ve never actually seen him sleep! With his guidance, I feel confident we’re always moving in the right direction.”
Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations
Reflecting on his journey, Ross acknowledges a few moments he wishes he could redo. “There was one rugby team where our initial offer wasn’t quite aligned with their needs. By the time we revised it, the deal was gone. Those moments stick with me, but they also teach valuable lessons.”
He views such experiences as part of Macron’s growth. “Even mistakes help us refine our strategies and prepare for future opportunities,” he says.
What Macron Represents
When asked to sum up Macron in one word, Ross chooses unity. “There’s a collective spirit here,” he says. “Each department has its own objectives, but we’re all working toward the same goal – creating innovative products and achieving our vision. It mirrors the partnerships we build with sports teams. Together, we’re striving for excellence.”
PRESS CONTACTS
If you would like to request materials related to this article, please do not hesitate to contact us.
