Press Release

QBE and Sydney Swans announce renewed partnership to 2022

QBE Australia (QBE) today announced an agreement with the Sydney Swans AFL Football Club to continue as the club’s principal partner until at least 2022, in a move that will see the sponsorship reach an incredible 36-years, one of the longest in Australian sporting history.

The partnership between the global insurer and the Sydney Swans, established in 1986, formally commences in 2020 and will see the organisations partner both on and off the field. 

CEO of QBE’s Australian and New Zealand Operations, Vivek Bhatia, said they are thrilled to continue as the club’s principal partner and credited shared values, alignment of strategic objectives, and outstanding service delivery for the decision to extend the relationship.

“To be part of one of the longest-standing sponsorships in Australian sport is testament to the strength of the partnership,” Mr Bhatia said.

"Shared core values of teamwork, commitment, tenacity, strong leadership, and diversity are the driving force behind our partnership and have seen us enjoy many successes over the last 32 years.

“We’ve proudly supported the Swans at the elite level through 767 matches, celebrated 407 wins including two premierships, 10,674 goals, while a massive 21,752,836 people have had the thrill of attending a Swans match. 

“Importantly, we’ve also supported the Swans at the grass roots level – helping to provide crucial pathways for more than 1,400 local talents through the Sydney Swans Academy, supporting the development of the game across Sydney and greater New South Wales.

“This year, we were especially pleased to help the Swans take the first critical step towards their ambition of fielding an AFLW team, with the establishment of a Youth Girls Program as part of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy.”

Outside of football, QBE and the Sydney Swans have collaborated on initiatives supporting both their respective charity partners, as well as collaborating on the annual Pride match.

Mr Bhatia said the renewed partnership meant QBE and the Sydney Swans could build upon their achievements over the last three decades and he looked forward to a rewarding future with the club.

“The Swans are an extremely important part of both QBE’s history and future – and we look forward to continuing to partner with the club both on and off the field and achieving many more successes together.”

Sydney Swans CEO and Managing Director, Andrew Ireland, said the club is delighted the partnership will continue.

“QBE has been part of our Sydney Swans family for more than 32 years and we’re absolutely thrilled that our relationship will continue into the future,” Ireland said. 

“Quite simply, without QBE I don’t know if we’d be here. Since 1986, they’ve been there with us every step of the way.

“In addition to supporting our senior team, QBE made it possible for us to establish the Sydney Swans Academy. This year we were proud to work together to expand the Academy to include a Youth Girls Program, which is the first step towards a Sydney Swans women’s team. 

“On behalf of everyone at the Sydney Swans I would like to thank QBE for their enduring commitment, loyalty and support.”

The renewed principal partnership agreement is for a three-year term and includes the provision of continued support to the Sydney Swans elite team and the Sydney Swans Academy until 2022.


ENDS

For further information please contact: 


Emma Kerswell
External Communications Specialist - QBE Corporate Communications
Phone: +61 411 794 206
Email: emma.kerswell@qbe.com