IMG Senior VP and head of global Olympic consulting GARY PLUCHINO was named the company's VP of IMG Performance. The new role will see Pluchino relocate from N.Y. to Florida, where he will sell sponsorships, develop partnerships, recruit events and develop events at IMG Academy. The academy's current roster of sponsors includes Gatorade, Under Armour and tennis manufacturer Prince. Pluchino has been with IMG since '03. Prior to that, he worked for Momentum, Carlson Marketing Group and ISL Marketing. In his new role at IMG Performance, he will report to the IMG division’s Managing Dir SAM ZUSSMAN (Tripp Mickle, Staff Writer).
TEE IT UP: Six new members to the USA Golf BOD have been appointed, including co-chairs JOHN BODENHAMER from the USGA and KERRY HAIGH of the PGA. The other members are ROSS BERLIN from the PGA Tour, the LPGA’s HEATHER DALY-DONOFRIO and ALLISON DUNCAN, and PAUL GOYDOS from the PGA Tour. The IOC recognizes USA Golf as the official governing federation for golf. The body will be responsible for selecting the men’s and women’s U.S. Olympic teams. USA Golf also has launched the organization’s website, which will be hosted by the USOC (Michael Smith, Staff Writer).
EXECS: Relativity Sports named Diamond Ridge Ventures Managing Partner JOSH SWARTZ President. He will report to Relativity Sports CEO and Relativity Media co-COO HAPPY WALTERS. Swartz also previously served as Wasserman Media Group COO. Swartz, who "started in his position on April 30, will run the day-to-day operations of the sports group and oversee its growth strategy" (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 5/6 issue)....Breeders Cup Ltd. named former Coca-Cola marketing exec DREW SHEINMAN Senior VP & CMO (DRF.com, 5/6)....ESPNU Programming Coordinator MEGHAN O'LEARY is leaving the company to pursue a spot on the U.S. National Women's Rowing Team (ESPN)....The Bears promoted KEVIN TURKS to Dir of Pro Scouting, replacing CHRIS BALLARD who accepted a position with the Chiefs. In addition, the Bears named DWAYNE JOSEPH Associate Dir of Pro Scouting (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 5/4)....Bobcats VP/Communications B.J. EVANS is no longer with the team (THE DAILY).
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