CSM Sports & Entertainment CEO Zak Brown is "leaving his post" at the end of the year, according to sources cited by Michael Smith of SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL. Brown’s resignation could "clear the path for him to take a leadership position" in F1, a move that has "been long-rumored in racing circles." Brown would "not comment on his impending departure" from London-based CSM, where he had been CEO since March '15. In that role, Brown was "charged with establishing a stronger foothold in the U.S." It remains to be seen if CSM, which is now owned by Providence Equity Partners, will "replace Brown’s position as group CEO or if the structure will change." Sources said that Brown, who founded Just Marketing Int'l and is "considered one of the power players across F1, IndyCar and NASCAR racing, will stay on through the end of the year to ease the transition." Racing insiders who have known the veteran marketer and driver for 20-plus years say that "at heart, he’s a motorsports guy." He "owns United Autosports, a GT and sports car racing team that also restores and maintains classic cars, including his own collection of vintage race cars." Those close to Brown have "called F1's top position his dream job and some transition is expected" (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 9/26 issue). In London, Kevin Eason reported it is the "clearest sign yet" that Liberty Media, F1’s new owner, is "shuffling the pack to prepare" for life after F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone. Brown "is well known in Formula One and throughout motor racing." He has placed "huge brand names" like Johnnie Walker, Martini and UPS into F1 and "often been mentioned as a potential head of a sport he loves." Brown: "I feel privileged to have been part of an extraordinary team during my tenure. I am satisfied that we have achieved what I set out to do, from the successful integration of JMI into CSM through to preparing a strong business for a successful future. I will take this experience forward to my next chapter in the arena I know best -- motor sport." Brown, who has known and worked with Ecclestone for many years, "will be seen as a good choice" inside the F1 paddock (LONDON TIMES, 9/26). AUTOSPORT reported in the wake of the Liberty Media takeover of F1 earlier this month, there has been "widespread speculation" that new F1 Chair Chase Carey "would seek to make several key management appointments" (AUTOSPORT, 9/25).
