Former NBA player YAO MING will be the transitional GM for the China Professional Basketball Club United Inc. founded last month. He will "communicate between the China Professional Basketball Club United Inc. and the Chinese Basketball Association" (GLOBAL TIMES, 3/10). ... Former Momentum Energy CEO NIGEL CLARK, who was given the task of turning around Australian Football League side Carlton's off-field fortunes, "has quit after 13 months in the job." Clark took over the Blues' commercial operations last February "as the first big appointment of the new MARK LOGIUDICE-STEVEN TRIGG administration, replacing both commercial boss ANTHONY BARHAM and membership boss CLINTON BOWN." While Trigg said on Thursday that Clark's departure has been "an amicable one," it is understood Clark -- who also oversaw the Blues' marketing, sponsorship and events -- "did not feel suited to the football club environment" (THE AGE, 3/10). ... Former FA Chair DAVID BERNSTEIN has "been appointed to the board of property investment platform." He joined Cogress, the open equity firm for property, "as a member of its advisory board" (BRIDGING AND COMMERCIAL, 3/10). ... The ATP appointed Exec Chair & President CHRIS KERMODE to a second term through '19 (ATP). Kermode, who took the reins at the ATP in '14, has said that "protecting the integrity of tennis in the wake of the recent match-fixing and doping scandals is the biggest challenge facing the sport over the next decade." He said that "identifying cheats was a priority for the governing body, but called for perspective over the betting issue" (REUTERS, 3/10).
COACHES/MANAGERS: Argentine first division side Sarmiento de Junín reached an agreement with RICARDO CARUSO LOMBARDI, who will coach the club for the 10 games remaining in the current season (TÉLAM, 3/10). ... Serie A side Palermo officially confirmed WALTER NOVELLINO as its new coach, "the eighth change this season." The Rosanero have had a "chaotic last few months, compounded by the resignation of BEPPE IACHINI this week, just two games after being recalled following his sacking earlier this season" (FOOTBALL ITALIA, 3/10). ... Japan's women's national football team Manager NORIO SASAKI said that "he is stepping down after the team failed to qualify for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics." Sasaki, who guided Japan to the 2011 Women's World Cup title and an Olympic Silver Medal at the 2012 London Games, "did not say whether he has resigned or been dismissed, but made it clear he is out after eight years in charge." Sasaki: "I'm taking all offers." U20 national coach and four-time women's Asian manager of the year ASAKO TAKAKURA is "said to be the frontrunner to succeed Sasaki" (JAPAN TIMES, 3/10).
Do you have an executive announcement? If so, please send to global@sportsbusinessdaily.com.
