INDIANAPOLIS -- Bill Long, who has served as the Indy Racing League’s vice president of marketing since March 2002; has announced his resignation effective August 1 to return to his home and family in Connecticut where he has maintained his residence for the past three years while working in Indianapolis.
“Bill provided leadership for the League on many fronts and helped give structure and meaning to the League’s new Business Affairs group when it was formed in 2002,” said Ken Ungar, the league’s senior vice president, business affairs. “He brought professionalism to our marketing efforts while laying the groundwork for the attendance and ratings growth the league is currently experiencing.”
Under Long’s leadership, the league introduced its first integrated marketing plan, initial branding effort and initiatives like the IndyCar Series Fan Experience and Driver Marketing Program. Additionally, he played a significant role in the league’s re-branding of its premier series to the IndyCar Series and his efforts in research has given the league a firm base to build on the future.
“Without question, Bill’s work in giving the league its strongest marketing direction in its history has set the stage for future success,” said Ungar. “With a strong support staff in place and a solid marketing effort aggressively in play for the current season, we have been looking ahead to 2006 and those plans are already well along.“
The Indy Racing League marketing department includes consumer and event marketing, driver promotion, branding, licensing and advertising.
“We will certainly miss Bill’s dedication, energy, and passion for building the sport of IndyCar Series racing,” said Brian Barnhart, Indy Racing League president and chief operating officer. “The foundation has been laid and we are well positioned for continued growth on and off the race track.”
The Indy Racing League will begin a search immediately for a successor while Ungar will assume day-to-day leadership for the marketing department during the transition.
_______________________________________
Click here to view the rest of today's headlines.
