Sports Recruitment International

Name: Ben Sellenger
Company: OneAsia
Position: CEO
University/ degree:  LLM, LLB (Hons), BSc (Physiology)
Current home town: Singapore


CAREER

Who/what inspired you to make the move into the sports industry?

I have always been a passionate participant and follower of sport in general, and whilst practicing as a lawyer I also completed a Masters of Laws with a focus on Sports Law in an attempt to sate this desire.  In reality it only served to stoke it, and when the opportunity came up to shift industries and careers, I grabbed it with both hands.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Staging the first ever OneAsia event, the Volvo China Open, in 2009.  The OneAsia concept had been several years in the making, and despite innumerable hurdles along the way, to successfully get through that first event was an amazing feeling.  And we have gone from strength to strength since then - although the odd hurdle still pops up!

What does your typical day at OneAsia involve?

It is exceptionally varied and there really is no typical - it ranges from dealing with operational or logistical issues around our events, to negotiating sanction agreements, presenting sponsorship opportunities, engaging with media, dealing with broadcasters, liaising with our stakeholder and Board Members - in such an rapidly evolving and growing entity it truly is four seasons in one day.

What are the most challenging aspects of your job?

Dealing with cross-cultural divisions amongst the many stakeholders we deal with on a daily basis across Asia - I love the challenge in such a dynamic space.

What are the most enjoyable aspects of your job?

Same as above.

What tips would you give to students wanting to break into the sports industry?

Do not be too specific in terms of your role expectations - and be prepared to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in the tasks you can perform.  If you have opportunities to get any form of experience within the sports industry during your studies, take it! (paid or not)

What are the most common mistakes you’ve seen candidates making?

Whilst you do not have to be a tragic follower of the sport in which you wish to work (and in many ways it is an advantage to the employer if you are not), do make sure you know the sport and the major current issues and personalities before you walk in to an interview.

How has elite sport changed since you first entered the industry?

In terms of the management of elite sport, it continues to become more and more professional, with less emphasis on engaging former champions of the game, and more emphasis on ability to perform the task and professional qualifications.


SPORT/ LIFE

Favourite sports to participate in:

Australian Rules Football, Cricket, Golf.

Favourite sports to watch:

AFL, Football, Golf.

What in your opinion has been the sporting highlight of the past 12 months?

Personally, Geelong Football Club Premiership (my home town, and with the AFL Grand Final last week its still fresh in the memory).

What will be the sporting highlight of the next 12 months?

Tiger winning the 2012 Masters.

Non-sport hobbies:

Discovering new restaurants to haunt, or laying on a beach in the middle of nowhere.

Where did you go for your last holiday?

New York.

What piece of technology would you be lost without?

MacAir