iSportconnect’s Top 10 MVPs of Sports Business Appointed in 2015
December 23, 2015
Katrina Adams:
On January 1, 2015, Katrina Adams began her role as the President of the United States Tennis Association (USTA). She has almost the first of a two-year term that sees her in the combined role of president, chairman and CEO of USTA.
Adams served on the USTA Board of Directors for 10 years and also completed a two-year term as First Vice President. In her new role this year, Adams became the first African-American and first former professional tennis player to serve as the association’s Chairman of the Board, CEO and President.
In a remarkable year for her, she was also elected as one of the vice presidents of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) for a four-year term.
Peter Hutton:
In mid-January Peter Hutton was named as the new CEO of Eurosport, now part of Discovery Communications in January.
In July, Discovery announced a landmark £920m deal with the International Olympic Committee to acquire the broadcasting rights to both the summer and winter Olympics across Europe, excluding Russia, from 2018 onwards.
“After over 30 years in sports media, I can’t think of a better brand to lead than Eurosport,” Hutton said when he was appointed.
Tom Glick:
Ahead of the team’s inaugural season in Major League Soccer, New York City FC announced the appointment of former Manchester City FC executive Tom Glick as the club’s new president in February.
Glick is a US national and came to City with experience in baseball and basketball, having served as a vice president at the NBA.
NYCFC got a healthy boost in profile thanks to marquee signings such as David Villa, Andrea Pirlo and Frank Lampard. The team is owned by City Football Group, who also run Manchester City and Melbourne City.
Martin Glenn:
The Football Association announced in March that Martin Glenn has been appointed as their new Chief Executive Officer.
The 54 year-old joined after leaving his role as CEO at United Biscuits, a company which is home to the McVitie’s and Jacobs brands.
At the time, Glenn said: “I very much hope my personal experience of operating in highly competitive global markets will help The FA in its own drive to promote greater success for our all of our national teams in international tournaments.”
Keith Pelley:
The PGA European Tour said goodbye to George O’Grady in the summer, but his role as chief executive officer was taken up by Rogers Media president Keith Pelley.
The 51-year-old came to the European Tour with a healthy amount of media experience, and said that he hoped that would help build the profile of his new employers.
He said: “The Tour already has a highly regarded reputation and I look forward to building on this using my previous experience in both media and sports to ensure it remains at forefront of the game across the globe.”
Lord Patel:
Professor Lord Patel became the first British Asian appointed to the England and Wales Cricket Board after his selection as an independent member.
Professor Lord Patel formerly worked for the Yorkshire Cricket Academy as a part-time coach and has had a life-long involvement with the recreational game via local leagues in his native Bradford.
Commenting on his appointment, ECB Chairman Colin Graves said: “Lord Patel’s instinctive grasp of the role cricket plays in uniting communities and crossing social barriers will be all important as we continue to change how we work as an organisation. He is a hugely respected figure and his sound judgement and expertise will be an enormous asset to the Board and the wider game.
Denise Lewis:
In December, Commonwealth Games England confirmed the appointment of Olympic, Commonwealth and former European heptathlete champion Denise Lewis, OBE, as its new president.
Lewis, 43, succeeds fellow gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes, who retires from the position she held since 2009.
“I am thrilled I have the chance to work with, and support, England’s athletes and help them towards becoming a Commonwealth medallist,” said Lewis.
“I understand what support is needed in order to allow athletes to prepare and compete to the best of their potential.”
Seb Coe:
In August, Seb Coe was elected as the new president of the International Association of Athletics Federations at the body’s 50th congress in
Coe’s first few months in charge have been a huge challenge, particularly after the Russian Athletics Federation were found guilty of covering up doping samples from athletes.
His role at the IAAF, previously as vice-president and now as president, has also come into question and he has a huge year ahead of him to restore the reputation of athletics and represent it in a positive light ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympics.
Francesco Ricci Bitti:
Italian Francesco Ricci Bitti was named as the new president of the SportAccord Convention in June after Marius Vizer resigned.
“The SportAccord Convention has become a major event in the international sporting calendar, not only for the sports movement but also for the industry,” said Mr. Ricci Bitti.
“I have always been one of its greatest supporters. When I was asked to consider the position of President, I accepted the honour and I am fully committed to continuing the successful development of the SportAccord Convention.”
David Haggerty:
Ricci Bitti saw his 16-year presidency of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) come to an end this year and this position was duly filled by David Haggerty, who was elected for a four-year term.
Speaking after he was appointed, Haggerty said: “It is a privilege and an honour to be elected President of the ITF. Tennis is the common language that binds all our member nations.
“It is important that we continue to listen to each other and work together to keep the ITF strong. I want to thank Francesco, who has done so much for the ITF over the last 16 years, for his leadership and friendship.”