The dynamic world of sports media rights has witnessed a significant leadership change as David Gillett, a seasoned executive from Extreme H, officially takes the helm as the new Head of Broadcast and Media Rights for the prestigious international sailing series, SailGP. This strategic appointment is poised to shape the future of SailGP’s global broadcast presence and further elevate its rapidly expanding audience.
Gillett steps into this pivotal role, succeeding fellow industry veteran Tom Gracey, who concluded his tenure with SailGP at the end of June to join the esteemed US golf’s top-tier PGA Tour. The transition underscores a period of notable executive appointments within the competitive landscape of global sports organizations, as top talent migrates to new challenges.
Prior to his impactful leadership at Extreme H, where he served as head of media rights since October 2022, Gillett amassed a robust portfolio of experience across various high-profile sporting ventures. His career trajectory includes an 18-month stint as commercial and marketing director at the iconic Spa Francorchamps circuit in Belgium, a testament to his diverse capabilities in sports business.
Before his role at Spa, Gillett dedicated three years to the renowned IMG agency, contributing significantly as strategic partnerships director for the demanding FIA World Rallycross competition. This extensive background provides him with a comprehensive understanding of complex broadcast deals and strategic media engagement across different sporting disciplines, vital for his new responsibilities with SailGP.
During his tenure at Extreme H, Gillett was instrumental in securing key broadcast deals, notably a recent multi-year agreement with UK commercial broadcaster ITV. This landmark partnership ensures live coverage of the inaugural Extreme H World Cup across ITV4 and the ITVX streaming platform, showcasing his proven ability to forge lucrative broadcasting alliances.
SailGP itself boasts an impressive roster of significant broadcast partners globally, indicative of its strong market position and appeal. Key collaborations include CBS in the United States, Foxtel and SBS in Australia, TNT Sports in the United Kingdom, Movistar Plus in Spain, and ZDF in Germany, collectively ensuring broad reach for the thrilling hydrofoil racing series.
Gillett’s arrival is expected to build upon this robust foundation, as SailGP continues its aggressive expansion and content innovation. His expertise in negotiating complex sports media rights and developing strategic partnerships will be critical in navigating the evolving digital landscape and maximizing the series’ visibility and commercial potential globally, solidifying its place in premier sports broadcasting.
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