Liberty Media has confirmed the appointment of Ross Brawn as managing director, motor sports, and Sean Bratches as managing director, commercial operations, following its acquisition of Formula 1.
Liberty confirmed it had completed its acquisition of Formula 1 on Monday, with Chase Carey installed as chief executive officer and Bernie Ecclestone made chairman emeritus.
Brawn, who enjoyed a successful career as technical chief with Benetton, Ferrari and his own eponymous outfit, has now been appointed to play a key role within Liberty’s new structure, after acting as a consultant across the past few months.
Brawn will focus on the sporting side, leaving Bratches to concentrate on the commercial arm of the sport, having spent almost three decades with ESPN.
Both positions have been newly created in the wake of Liberty's takeover of Formula 1.
“It’s fantastic to be returning to the world of Formula 1,” said Brawn.
“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.”
Carey hailed the return of Brawn, whose day-to-day involvement in Formula 1 previously ended when he left Mercedes at the end of 2013.
“I am delighted to welcome Ross back to Formula 1,” he said.
“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.”
Bratches, labelled 'one of ESPN’s most influential leaders' by Liberty, is sure of continuing Formula 1's expansion.
"I’m very excited to be joining Formula 1 and contribute to the continued growth of this extraordinary global brand and sport," he said.
"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."
Carey added, "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."
Carey also confirmed that he will be continuing to work with Formula 1's chief financial officer, Duncan Llowarch, and Sacha Woodward-Hill, its General Counsel.
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