Sophie Morris to lead ESA Sponsorship Diploma into new era as Course Director

The European Sponsorship Association (ESA) has appointed Sophie Morris as Course Director of its educational flagship, the ESA Sponsorship Diploma. The appointment comes after a competitive process overseen by ESA's Education Workstream.

A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, experienced university lecturer and Co-Founder of Sponsor View - the sponsor satisfaction research and measurement firm - Sophie has an outstanding track record of industry service. In June 2026 she ended a 10-year period on the ESA Board, culminating in three years as ESA Chair.

Sophie will lead the ESA Sponsorship Diploma into a new era starting with the 16th edition of the course in January 2027, which opened for enrolment today. She will team up with Sponsor View Co-Founder, Emanuele Cendron, jointly acting as Course Providers. Together they will lead the design, creation and delivery of the world-renowned annual online course, equipping industry professionals with in-depth knowledge and skills to achieve best practice in sponsorship and accelerate their careers.

The ESA Sponsorship Diploma is regarded as an essential training qualification for anyone wishing to build a successful career in sponsorship. With a challenging and inspiring syllabus, its intuitive digital platform enables students to study online on a part-time basis throughout the eight-month course.

Sophie Morris, ESA Sponsorship Diploma Course Director, said: "We are incredibly proud to take the helm of the ESA Sponsorship Diploma. Driven by the same passion for raising industry standards that shapes Sponsor View, our aim is to cultivate future sponsorship leaders by developing critical thinking, strategic rigour and proactive problem-solving. We look forward to elevating the prestige and global reach of the Diploma as the definitive standard for sponsorship professionals.

"We are hugely grateful to Peter Raymond for his extraordinary work in building the Diploma into what it is today. It is an honour to take the role on from him, and we are committed to building on his strong foundation as we lead the course into its next era."

Nigel Geach, ESA Vice-Chair, said: "The ESA Education Workstream had a challenging responsibility in appointing a new provider for ESA's flagship course, which has a world-leading reputation. After a thorough competitive process that produced some strong contenders, I'm delighted that Sophie Morris and Emanuele Cendron have been appointed Course Providers of the ESA Sponsorship Diploma.

"It's vital that ESA continues to provide the very best in sponsorship education and equip industry professionals with the tools they will need to succeed, not only today but tomorrow. Sophie Morris is a hugely respected leader in our industry and there could not be a better person to lead us as ESA Sponsorship Diploma Course Director into a new era of professional development excellence."

The 2027 ESA Sponsorship Diploma begins with induction sessions on 26 and 27 January 2027, with an enrolment deadline of 21 January. Early-bird discounts are available until 27 November 2026, along with ESA Member discounts.

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About ESA

The European Sponsorship Association (ESA) is the essential and inclusive community for all professionals working in sponsorship. We inspire more successful sponsorships, drive confidence in decision making and grow a diverse community through world-leading education, events and resources, industry connections and recognition of excellence.

A not-for-profit membership association, ESA's reach encompasses all types of sponsorship activity from sport, broadcast, education, charity, arts and culture to environment and the community. Its members include sponsors, rights holders, agencies and consultants, professional advisors and suppliers.

Media contact

Jonathan Coates | ESA Marketing, Communications and Events Manager

[email protected]