Liberty Media have confirmed that Ross Brawn and Sean Bratches will join Formula One as Managing Directors.
Former technical director/team principal of Benetton, Ferrari, Honda, Brawn GP and Mercedes Ross Brawn has taken up the role of Managing Director, Motorsports, of Formula One, whilst ESPN’s former Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Sean Britches, fills the role of Managing Director, Commercial Operations.
In a statement released by Liberty Media, Ross Brawn said:
“It’s fantastic to be returning to the world of Formula 1. I’ve enjoyed consulting with Liberty Media these last few months and I’m looking forward to working with Chase, Sean and the rest of the Formula 1 Team to help the evolution of the sport. We have an almost unprecedented opportunity to work together with the teams and promoters for a better F1 for them and, most importantly, for the fans.”
Sean Bratches added:
“I’m very excited to be joining Formula 1 and contribute to the continued growth of this extraordinary global brand and sport.Formula 1 is one of few truly global tier one sports, and I am encouraged by the manifold opportunities to materially grow the business, work closely with current and future sponsors, race circuits, television rights holders as well as create next generation digital and on-site race experiences to best serve the Formula 1 fans.”
Chase Carey, Chairman and CEO, commented:
“I am delighted to welcome Ross back to Formula 1. In his 40 years in the sport, he’s brought his magic touch to every team with which he has worked, has almost unparalleled technical knowledge, experience and relationships, and I have already benefitted greatly from his advice and expertise.
“I am thrilled Sean is joining Formula 1. Sean was a driving force in building ESPN into one of the world’s leading sports franchises. His expertise and experience in sales, marketing, digital media, and distribution will be invaluable as we grow Formula 1.
“I look forward to working with Ross and Sean, as well as key current executives including Duncan Llowarch, our CFO, and Sacha Woodward Hill, our General Counsel, the FIA, Bernie and Liberty as we work together to make Formula 1 the best it can be for the teams, promoters and fans for years to come.”