DAYTONA BEACH, FL — NASCAR has announced multiple management changes, effective immediately, that the association says will position it to continue its strong growth and more efficiently manage business decisions and communications throughout the company and the industry.
As part of the restructuring, Paul Brooks will be taking on additional responsibilities as senior vice president and will continue his role as president of NASCAR Broadcasting and NASCAR Digital Entertainment. Brooks will now oversee all broadcasting, new media, entertainment, corporate administration, corporate communications, diversity, international business and business affairs. Brooks, who is based in Daytona Beach, FL, has worked in the sport for 16 years and with NASCAR for 13 years. Named a Sports Business Journal “Forty under 40” recipient for three years, Brooks entered the Sports Business Journal “Forty Under 40 Hall of Fame” in 2005. Brooks will continue to report to Brian France.
In addition, Steve Phelps is promoted to chief marketing officer (CMO) and will oversee all NASCAR corporate marketing, industry marketing, brand and consumer marketing, multi-media, sales, licensing, business development and The NASCAR Foundation. Phelps will relocate to Daytona Beach, FL, from New York City, and will report to Brian France.
Phelps joined NASCAR as vice president of corporate marketing last July following a 15-year career with the National Football League (NFL). He most recently was the top sales executive for Wasserman Media Group. Over the past six months, he restructured NASCAR’s corporate marketing team based in New York and instituted a new approach for the office to better serve and benefit NASCAR’s teams, drivers, track operators and other business partners. Phelps has twice been named to Sports Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” list.
Taking over for Phelps in New York will be former NFL and Viacom executive Jim O’Connell. O’Connell will serve as vice president of corporate marketing and will manage NASCAR’s New York office and all corporate marketing initiatives. O’Connell will report to Phelps. At Viacom, O’Connell served as senior vice president and was responsible for partnerships and brand building for Infinity Broadcasting’s advertising clients. At the NFL, O’Connell served in several roles over ten years including vice president for commercial development – NFL Europe and senior director for corporate sponsorship marketing.
NASCAR President Mike Helton will continue to interface with all NASCAR departments with direct management of all areas of competition, research and development, events and operations, and the touring and weekly series. Helton continues to report to Brian France and serve on NASCAR’s Board of Directors. NASCAR Chief Financial Officer Todd Wilson and General Counsel Gary Crotty will continue their current duties and report to Brian France.
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