Development of EHF brand recognised at BRAND [LIFE] AWARD 2017

The work of the EHF in developing its brand was recognised at an awards ceremony in the Austrian capital on Monday evening (20 November).

For his part in the development of the EHF brand since the foundation of the federation back in 1991, the EHF President, Michael Wiederer was presented with a 'Brand Ambassador of the Year Award' at the BRAND [LIFE] AWARD 2017 event.

The award was made by the President of the European Brand Institute, Gerhard Hrebicek, and Paul Leitenmüller, CEO of the Opinion Leaders Network.

The Brand Life Awards are dedicated to the personalities behind the brand and for their work in creating strong brands through commitment, passion and leadership. Awards are made to people, who have contributed more than 20 years to the development of a particular company or organisation.

Commenting on the award, Michael Wiederer said: “I accepted the award on behalf of the EHF as well all those who have played their part in the development of European handball over the past 26 years.

"We have seen that a strong brand can bring value to our sport. The high level of interest in the current tender process for the EHF’s media and marketing rights, for example, has only been possible because of the success we have had in developing the EHF brand, especially through flagship events such as the men’s and women’s EHF FINAL4s and the EHF EUROs.

Award winners at the BRAND [LIFE] AWARD 2017 in Vienna

The EHF’s brand journey can be traced back to 2008 and an EHF Competitions Conference where the need for a strong platform for European handball was identified by all of the sport’s stakeholders.

This led to the creation of a European Handball Study and the further development of the EHF brand including values and principles for the sport as well as visual elements such as the new EHF logo, which was first launched in 2012, alongside a new identity for the EHF Champions League.

Further information on the BRAND [LIFE] AWARD 2017 can be found on the European Brand Institute website.

Photographs: Katharina Schiffl