SEAN BRATCHES officially will step down as F1 Managing Dir of Commercial Operations at the end of January, ending months of speculation about his future with the racing organization. F1 confirmed Bratches’ exit this morning, saying that he will remain an advisor to the sport from the U.S. Bratches joined F1 three years ago alongside Chair & CEO CHASE CAREY, who took over for BERNIE ECCLESTONE. Bratches, who moved to London while his family stayed stateside, had been looking to move back to the U.S. to be closer with his family. Bratches grew revenue at F1, building a team to sell sponsorships and cut media-rights deals. F1 said in a release, “During his tenure, Formula 1 has broadened its sponsor portfolio, improved the reach and scope of the sport’s global media rights, renewed all key race promotion agreements and announced two new races.” Bratches’ direct reports will now report to Carey. In a prepared statement, Carey said, “Sean has transformed the commercial side of Formula 1 and a testament to his work is shown in our momentum and growth as a business” (John Ourand, THE DAILY).
EXECS: The Texans reportedly fired Senior VP/Football Administration CHRIS OLSEN, who had been put "in charge of football operations on an interim basis" when GM BRIAN GAINE was fired in June (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 1/20)....ISC and Indianapolis Motor Speedway Exec VP & COO JOIE CHITWOOD III has joined Mecum Auctions as a Strategic Advisor. Chitwood will take on what the car auction house says will be an “active leadership role in the evaluation and execution of new ventures" (Adam Stern, THE DAILY)....Winston-Salem Open Tournament Dir BILL OAKES has “resigned after nearly 10 years to pursue other opportunities.” Oakes was one of the "driving forces since the tournament’s inception” (WINSTON-SALEM JOURNAL, 1/18).
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