Chris Smith: Head of PR, Global football, adidas

"The school’s dedication to sport played a significant role in being where I am today. It made me understand the importance of teamwork, leadership and dealing with pressure."
 

Current Job Title & Employer:

Head of PR, Global Football, adidas

OB years:

2000-2007

Brief description of your path after Brentwood:

Following Brentwood I received a degree in Journalism whereby upon graduation I worked as a freelance writer for the likes of Men’s Health, Esquire and The Sunday Times. It was during my short career as a journalist where I became aware of the role of Public Relations and ultimately decided to change my career path. I worked at a global PR agency for six years before moving to adidas where I’ve been working for the last three years. My job sees me oversee all PR activity for adidas Football, including kit launches for the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal and Manchester United, as well as football boot launches and player signings.

Did you develop any particular skills or attributes at Brentwood that have helped your career?

The school’s dedication to sport played a significant role in being where I am today. It made me understand the importance of teamwork, leadership and dealing with pressure.

Favourite Brentwood memory?

Representing the XI football team, Saturday morning away games and summer sports day. The friends I made during my time at school – who are still my closest friends today – and that feeling of walking out the exam hall on the final day of A-Levels!

Any words of advice for those graduating this year?

If going to university, do a degree you enjoy over one you think will give you better career opportunities. Try to spend your summers upskilling yourself, be it an internship or work experience. Lastly, be tenacious in your ultimate pursuit and be open to working / living abroad – if gives you a different outlook on things