EMW Global has been recognised for its ‘outstanding contribution to the UK-China relationship’ at the recent Hurun UK Awards held in London. In a closely contested field, EMW led the category for the ‘promotion of sport in China’ following another successful year bridging the gap between brands in the east and top-flight football federations and star players from the west.
The Hurun UK Awards celebrate the achievements of young entrepreneurs and their innovative businesses which make a significant impact on the local economy. Organised by the Hurun Research Institute, the number one source for ranking China’s Rich List, the event brought together leading entrepreneurs from various industries, offering an inspiring platform for collaboration and recognition.
On receiving the award, EMW CEO and Founder, Michael Rocha-Keys said: “We are honoured to receive this prestigious award from the Hurun Research Institute. EMW – East Meets West – was built on bringing together brands from China with western IPs and right holders, and this award is a testament to the many years of work from our teams across the globe.”
Since starting up in 2018, EMW Global has led high-impact partnerships between prominent Chinese brands and football stars including Lionel Messi, Neymar and Olivier Giroud. The agency has been instrumental in growing The Argentine Football Association’s (AFA) commercial and fan footprint in Asia and specifically China, with the World Champions currently sitting as the national football federation with the most commercial partners in the world.
“The FIFA World Cup 2026 is due to be the most viewed sporting event in history, offering a fantastic opportunity for global brand exposure” continued Michael, “we are proud to be supporting a number of brands and rights holders in maximising this opportunity.”
The Hurun UK Awards are a prestigious event that celebrates the achievements of young entrepreneurs and their innovative businesses. The awards are organised by Hurun Report Inc., a leading research platform based in London, Shanghai, and Mumbai. The event recognises founders who have create businesses worth $100 million or more, known as Unicorns, and those with businesses poised to reach unicorn status within three to five years, referred to as Gazelles and Cheetahs. The awards are a testament to the impact these young leaders have on the UK economy and their potential to shape the future of business.
