New appointment at SailGP to support global expansion
Global racing league, SailGP has announced the appointment of Ben Johnson as SVP, strategy and commercial development, to support the league’s global expansion.
In his new role, Johnson will lead the league’s North American expansion across broadcast and digital rights, commercial partners, agency relationships, and venues and host locations.
“The demand to grow the SailGP brand in North America is unparalleled and presents an incredible opportunity,” says SailGP CEO Russell Coutts. “As we strive to accelerate the expansion of the league globally, we see North America as a critical part of our global footprint. We’re excited for Ben to lead that rapid expansion and contribute to the championship’s growth across all aspects of the business.”
SailGP recently announced its expansion to ten teams for Season 3 with the addition of franchises from Canada and Switzerland, and a 2022 calendar that is expected to feature at least three races in North America including Season 2’s US$1 million winner-take-all final race at the United States Sail Grand Prix in San Francisco, 26-27 March.
Johnson comments: “I am incredibly motivated to join SailGP and be part of the league’s inspiring, purpose-driven growth. The quality of the sport and competition is the best in the world and will capture a new generation of fans and audiences.”
SailGP Season 2 next travels to Sydney for the Australia Sail Grand Prix presented by KPMG, 17-18 December before closing out the season in San Francisco in March 2022.
