Former FIA Technical Department Head MARCIN BUDKOWSKI joined Renault Formula 1 as its exec director. The move is "deeply controversial because Budkowski knows many of the design secrets of the top teams." In his role at F1's governing body, the 40-year-old was "responsible for liaising with teams to ensure the compliance of their cars." Renault said that he would "oversee all the activities in the development and production of the chassis" (BBC, 10/6). ... Former Gatorade Head of Global Markets & Dir of Sports Marketing JOHN SHEA accepted a job as Jimmy John's CMO. Shea has been Teneo Holdings' managing director of sports since '15. He was a Gatorade and Pepsi marketer from '03-15. Sources said that Shea's new appointment with the Illinois-based sandwich chain will be announced this week. Shea was an SBJ/SBD "Forty Under 40" honoree in '14 (Terry Lefton, Editor-At-Large).
COACHES/MANAGERS: BRAD THORN was confirmed as the new coach of Super Rugby side Queensland Reds, replacing the sacked NICK STILES. Rumors "swirled for weeks that Stiles would be shown the door after reported run-ins with fellow coaches and key Queensland Rugby Union administrators" (AAP, 10/5). ... MARIO LEDESMA made the "shock announcement" he will step down as Wallabies scrum coach after the final Bledisloe Cup match to take a role with Super Rugby side Jaguares in '18 (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 10/8).
