World Rowing Appoints H&A Media to Boost Social Media Presence in China

Shanghai, China / Lausanne, Switzerland – 23 July 2025

World Rowing is pleased to announce the appointment of H&A Media as its official service provider to enhance and expand its presence across Chinese social media platforms.

This strategic collaboration represents a significant step in World Rowing’s ongoing commitment to growing the sport’s global footprint and deepening engagement with audiences in China.

Under the agreement, H&A Media will lead the development and execution of a localized digital strategy for World Rowing and Organising Committees of World Rowing events in China, focusing on key platforms such as WeChat, Weibo, and Douyin. The goal is to increase visibility for Rowing in China by celebrating athlete stories, promoting events and host cities, and fostering vibrant community engagement around the sport and its values.

“We are excited to be working with H&A Media as we strengthen our connection with Rowing fans, current and future athletes, and the broader Rowing and sports ecosystem in China,” said Christian Osterode, Head of Broadcast & Marketing at World Rowing. “China is a key growth market for us, and this partnership aligns with our broader vision to inspire global participation and engagement in the sport of Rowing.”

“We’re honoured to support World Rowing in connecting with China’s digitally savvy sports audience,” comments Guy Horne, Founder and CEO of H&A Media. “We look forward to creating meaningful content and campaigns that capture the values, spirit, heritage and elegance of Rowing.”

Adds Brian Orsini, World Rowing’s Head of Communications: “H&A Media brings deep expertise in digital marketing and sports communications within the Chinese market, having worked with a wide range of international sports federations and brands. With offices in China and Switzerland, native language and social media content creation capabilities, and a strong understanding of local fan culture, the agency is strongly positioned to support World Rowing’s ambitious objectives”.

The partnership will commence immediately, with tailored content and digital activations planned in the lead-up to major upcoming events, including the 2025 World Rowing Championships in Shanghai, the 2026 World Rowing Coastal Championships & Beach Sprint Finals in Qingdao, annual highlights of the international Rowing calendar such as the Head of the Shanghai River Regatta, and other initiatives to be announced in the near future.

About H&A Media

H&A Media is a leading media and marketing agency specializing in sports communications and digital strategy across China. With a proven track record in building and engaging online sports communities, H&A Media helps global sports brands thrive in the Chinese digital landscape.

About World Rowing

World Rowing (previously named FISA (from the French, Fédération Internationale des Sociétés d’Aviron) is the governing body of the Olympic sport of Rowing. Empowered by its 159 member National Rowing Federations it sets the rules and regulations for the practice of the sport, in all its forms including Classic Rowing, Coastal Rowing, Connected/Indoor Rowing and Para-Rowing across grassroots, masters, and level. As part of its mandate, World Rowing oversees sanctioned events and provides advice and expertise for the organisation of Rowing regattas.