- Former DRL, Tough Mudder executive joins SailGP, one of world's fastest growing sports leagues, to expand fanbase, broadcast distribution and brand partnerships
NEW YORK - November 4, 2021 - SailGP, the purpose-driven, global racing league, has announced the hire of Ben Johnson as SVP, Strategy and Commercial Development, to lead North America and support the league's rapid global expansion.
Since launching in 2018, SailGP has delivered incredible live racing action at dozens of iconic locations, broadcasting in more than 175 global markets to over 256 million homes on premier channels including CBS and CBS Sports, SKY Sports, BeIN, FOX, Tencent, JSport, SuperSport and Canal+.
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 | San Francisco, March 26-27.
In the newly appointed role, Johnson will lead the league’s North American expansion across broadcast and digital rights, commercial partners, agency relationships, and venues and host locations.
SailGP CEO Russell Coutts said: “The demand to grow the SailGP brand in North America is unparalleled and presents an incredible opportunity. 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."
Johnson said: "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, December 17-18 before closing out the season in San Francisco in March 2022.
