Formula One Appoints Sponsorship and Research Heads

Formula One has appointed global heads for sponsorship and research, as the racing series enters a new era under Liberty Media. The American corporation recently purchased F1 in an $8bn deal, replacing former Chief Bernie Ecclestone as part of the acquisition.

Murray Barnett will join as Global Head of Sponsorship and Commercial Partnerships. The Chief Commercial Officer of World Rugby will begin his new role with F1 in April.

Matthew Roberts starts in June as global head of research, joining from Sky television where he led the sports insight division. He also worked previously for ESPN and BT Sport.

Commercial managing director Sean Bratches said the appointments marked “an important next step in the evolution of the sport.

“There is enormous interest among global brands to align themselves with Formula One and Murray is well suited to lead this division, supporting our incumbent partners and broadening the number of sponsors.

“Likewise, we are pivoting to a research driven platform that will inform decisions across the company and there is no one better to lead us in that endeavor than Matt.”