Iñigo Aznar, Head of Commercial Partnerships. Image copyright Volvo Ocean Race.
by Sophie Luther
The Commercial Team for the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12, headed up by Britain’s Greg Miall is now complete. This is the first time the world’s premier ocean race has had such a specialist division and an all-star, multi-national line up which has been hand-picked from outside and inside the sport of sailing.
The last new recruit is Spaniard Iñigo Aznar, who joins the team out in the field engaging with big brands who are interested in sponsoring or partnering with the Volvo Ocean Race or wish to work with new entries in the event.
Formerly with international football team and brand, Real Madrid CF, where he worked for six years, Iñigo Aznar, joins as Head of Commercial Partnerships and has been active in the sports industry for over 10 years.
“The potential of this race is unexploited and we can really work on creating a successful sponsorship board. Companies look for a return on investment in media, an incredible business-to-business platform and substantial world image management. My goal is to provide these new experiences to our clients and to create new platforms for our consumers,” he said.
Sharon Tuff, Head of Commercial Partnerships UK. Image copyright Volvo Ocean Race.
From 2004, Iñigo has developed commercial activities for Real Madrid executing and commercialising sponsorship rights products, image rights of players and advertising platforms.
Earlier this year he decided to join the Volvo Ocean Race team to work in the Commercial Department at Race Headquarters in Alicante and decided that it was time to take advantage of his potential at an international level.
“It’s one of the most prestigious and global sporting events in the world and it can be even more. This challenge is amazing, we have the opportunity to do really great things and that’s what most persuaded me from the start,” said Aznar.
Greg Miall believes he has the best team possible to take the Race into a new commercial era. “Our team is already working with some big clients, as well as potential teams for the race. We are fully focussed on getting more Volvo Open 70s onto the start line this time next year. Plus we are looking forward to concluding more commercial arrangements for the race before the end of the year and hope to carry this on throughout 2011 and into the future.”
Mike Marques (ESP) – Head of Business Development. Image copyright Volvo Ocean Race.
Key members of the Commercial Team include:
Greg Miall (GBR) – Commercial Director
Iñigo Aznar (ESP) - Head of Commercial Partnerships
Mike Marques (ESP) – Head of Business Development
Sharon Tuff (GBR) – Head of Commercial Partnerships UK
Gavin Brown (NZL) – Brand Manager
Jessica Dahlgren (SWE) – Client Services Manager
Neith Astradsson (NZL) – Hospitality Manager
Volvo Ocean Race
