INDIANAPOLIS – Seasoned sports business executive Michael Redlick recently joined the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) as vice president and chief sales officer.
Redlick, who has nearly 15 years of successful experience working for NFL and NBA franchises, will oversee all sales and business development functions at IMS, including sponsorship and hospitality.
“I am honored to be joining IMS,” Redlick said. “Both the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indianapolis 500 are iconic brands recognized globally for their exceptional tradition and history. To become part of the IMS team as the venue and race enter their second century of existence is an unbelievable opportunity for anyone in our industry. I am fortunate and welcome the opportunity to spearhead the sales efforts of these icons of motorsports.”
Redlick has led or worked with business development teams that have consistently increased annual revenue for NFL and NBA franchises during his tenure.
He comes to IMS after most recently serving as the vice president of business development for the NFL team the San Francisco 49ers. During his tenure with the 49ers, he developed and sold a multi-year partnership with HP, renewed a multi-year partnership with VISA and closed substantial deals with Rambus, PG&E, Toyota and other companies.
During his tenure as executive vice president of business operations with the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies from 2001-09, Redlick helped the franchise increase sponsorship revenue from zero in 2001 to more than $20 million in 2006, leading the team in the NBA’s smallest market to top-10 status in sponsorship revenue. He also negotiated and administered the team’s eight-figure naming rights deal with FedEx for its new arena and was a key member of the senior management team that developed that state-of-the-art, $250-million facility.
Redlick worked with the Cleveland Browns of the NFL and Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA from 1997-2001.
While serving as senior account director for SFX Sports Group from 1999-2001, Redlick created sports marketing and sales programs that helped the Browns raise more corporate sponsorship revenue than any other NFL franchise in 1999. He also worked with the Browns to market the return of the team to the NFL and its new venue, Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Before working with the Browns and Cavaliers, Redlick worked in Cleveland as coordinator of sports sponsorships for KeyCorp, director of the NBA Jam Session Key Volunteer Team and as a practicing attorney licensed in both Ohio and New York.
“We’re thrilled that Mike is bringing his talents to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway,” said Jeff Belskus, IMS president and CEO. “He has an outstanding track record of success at the highest level of American professional sports, building strong, creative partnerships with national and global companies.”
Redlick received a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s degree in sports administration from Ohio University. He also received his juris doctorate from the Cleveland Marshall College of Law at Cleveland State University.
