Turner steps down from Volvo Race
The Volvo Ocean Race has announced the shock departure of its CEO Mark Turner following the announcement that the proposed 2019-20 race in new boats will not take place as planned.
Volvo has announced that it is reconsidering the schedule for all future Volvo Ocean Races. It comes following the news that CEO Mark Turner has stepped down from his role after it was decided that the proposed 2019-20 race in new boats would not take place as planned.
In a media release, Volvo said the decision about the 2019-20 race was made after “key stakeholders” determined that “additional planning time” was needed for the new look race. Volvo said: “Following discussions between Volvo companies, it has been determined that in order to fully implement the announced changes additional planning time is required, specifically in relation to the race cycle. A final decision on this will follow at a later stage. This rules out a race start in 2019 with new boats, however the Volvo Ocean Race leadership team is developing plans to ensure activation opportunities and stakeholder return using the existing boats,” it added. It stressed that the 2017-18 Volvo Ocean Race, which gets underway next month, would not be affected by the decision.
As a consequence of this review to the race schedule the current CEO for the race Mark Turner has decided to step down from his current position. He will remain in the CEO role until a successor is appointed, a search for which has started.
“Whilst we regret the fact that Mark has decided to step down from his current role, we are grateful for the hard work and contribution over the last 16 months. The leadership team Mark has put in place will ensure the race remains both a world class sailing and business platform and we wish him all the best for the future,” says Henry Stenson, Chairman of the Volvo Ocean Race supervisory board.
“Although I have decided to step down from my position, I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to lead the Volvo Ocean Race at this important time. I am confident the 2017-18 race will be one of the best ever,” says Mark Turner.
