Rowland strikes gold as Natalie Cook — successful entrepreneur and Olympic gold medalist — joins firm’s Sport division
Leading strategic communication, digital and creative agency, Rowland, has signed Olympic gold medalist and successful entrepreneur Natalie Cook to join the Rowland Sport team as an Associate.
After a spectacularly successful sporting career in beach volleyball, including competing in five Olympic Games, winning a bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and a gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Nat has a wealth of knowledge in the sporting space.
She builds upon Rowland’s strong sports heritage over the past 30+ years such as involvement in the recent NRL licence bid by the Dolphins, Commonwealth Games, leading a communications framework for the sports technology industry, major golf tournaments, national athletic championships, and a multiplicity of work in rugby (incl. the Queensland Rugby League, Rugby Australia, Queensland Rugby Union and Brothers Rugby Club).
Chairman Geoff Rodgers said Nat’s deep understanding of the world of sports management and sports marketing — from elite competition to grassroots development — is a great fit for Rowland Sport clients to hone the firm’s strategic offerings.
“We’re thrilled to have Nat on board as an Associate to work alongside the Rowland Sport team,” said Rodgers.
“Nat’s leadership roles and experience in various organisations, including the World Olympians Association and Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee, brings a wealth of knowledge to our Rowland Sport division — her insights will allow her to apply a unique sport lens to our Sport clients.”
“Over the next decade, Australia will host an array of major sporting events as we prepare for the Brisbane 2032 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. The world will be watching as Brisbane, Queensland and Australia take centre stage.”
Nat said she couldn’t think of a better firm to partner with because she believes Rowland cared deeply for its clients.
“I’m a firm believer in the Games’ capacity to leave lasting legacies for athletes, individuals, businesses and society, and I enjoy working with private enterprise, cities and government to unlock the potential of this once-in-a-generation event,” she said.
“I’m excited to be working with Rowland Sport to assist brands, teams and sporting organisations to make their mark.”
Following her retirement from elite sport, Nat has continued to make an impact in the sports world. Her portfolio includes being a highly regarded keynote speaker, a Director at Deloitte supporting the Global Olympic and Paralympic Partnership, the founder of Sandstorm, a successful beach volleyball venue and event company, as well as Green & Gold Athletes, an organisation designed to nurture, uplift and sustain athletes along their green and gold pathway, from emerging to elite.