The Kentaro agency has opened its first office in the US and appointed Jay Berhalter, formerly the US Soccer Federation chief operating officer, to lead it.
“We are thrilled to open our office in Chicago and welcome one of the most knowledgeable U.S. football business executives to our organization,” said Kentaro joint-chief executive Philipp Grothe. “We have great belief in the U.S. football market and have ambitious plans to further the growth of the sport in the States. With his unique
experience and network of contacts, Jay will lead Kentaro’s expansion into North
America.”
Grothe said the agency, which specialises in football rights, aims to capitalise on the sport’s increasing popularity in the US.
Berhalter has previously worked on two World Cup organising committees – the 1994 World Cup and 2003 women’s World Cup – in Major League Soccer, and with the US Soccer Foundation, as well as the US Soccer Federation.
