A1GP restructures its business
Under its recently appointed CEO, Pete da Silva, will be four regional companies to manage the series' interests in the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa and Asia alongside a team of five senior executives focused on the series' global activities. Within the global team are two new appointments which include Scott Hollingsworth to the position of chief commercial officer and a new chief financial officer whose appointment is nearing completion. Former acting CEO, Bruce Holmes, will take on the role of chief operating officer.
The four regional companies have been established to allow A1GP to adapt to the unique challenges of each region to fully leverage the possibilities of its international brand in every market. Former chief operating officer, David Clare, will take responsibility for Asia while Scott Hollingsworth, Bruce Holmes and Pete da Silva will manage the Americas, Europe and the Middle East and Africa respectively during the initial set-up phase.
A1GP Chairman Tony Teixeira commented: 'After three years of operation, we are delighted to introduce this new management team for A1GP which will oversee the growth of the series as it makes strong headway into new and established motorsport markets. Each executive brings to the company unique experience in their field and a commitment to the development of A1GP not only as an entertaining sporting property but also as a unique business and commercial proposition.'
Scott Hollingsworth, Chief Commercial Officer – Scott Hollingsworth has been appointed to the position of chief commercial officer, responsible for franchise sales, marketing and PR, commercial and event sales. Most recently, Hollingsworth held the position of chief executive officer for AMA Pro Racing, the sanctioning body for motorcycle racing in the United States during which time he spearheaded a change in the organization’s business model resulting in record profits and a doubling of revenues between 2000 and 2005.
Commenting on his new appointment, Hollingsworth said: 'Being an avid motorsport fan as well as having a business background, this opportunity to get involved with A1GP is an amazing one. I have watched the progress of the series over the past couple of years and know the concept is one that will appeal to everyone in both North and South America. The fans love exciting racing and without a shadow of doubt the A1GP action is certainly that. With great television deals to ensure everyone has an opportunity to watch races, I am sure very soon the series will have a strong following. The corporate world is also always looking for new platforms to publicize its products and I am hopeful that major companies will see the benefit of being associated with the series and that household names will start appearing on the cars and at the race tracks.'
Bruce Holmes, Chief Operating Officer – Bruce Holmes moves from his position as acting chief executive to chief operating officer, responsible for event management, franchise support, television production, hospitality and event services, technical operations and safety, health, environment and quality.
David Clare, CEO Asian Region – David Clare moves from his previous position as chief operating officer to oversee the development of the A1GP brand and direct its growth in Asia. Responsible for managing relationships with key stakeholders in the region, including facilities, team, promoters, sponsors and media outlets, David's previous experience with Merit/Burson-Marsteller as director of sports marketing for the Asia Pacific region, has provided invaluable Asian experience that will assist A1GP's expansion of motorsport to the area.
Commenting on his new appointment, David Clare said: 'I am looking forward to tackling two major challenges in the region: guiding the development of non- traditional racing markets and making sure that as many people as possible understand that A1GP stands for; close exciting racing, great entertainment against a back drop of supporting your national team in its bid to win the World Cup of Motorsport.'