Bernie Ecclestone has recruited O2 Arena boss David Campbell as F1’s new marketing and commercial guru, according to reports.
Campbell is credited with taking over London’s unloved Millennium Dome on behalf of US billionaire Philip Anshutz and AEG Europe, and turning it into a huge success as the O2 Arena, popular with both fans and music business insiders.
Born in Scotland, he moved to the USA with his family at age 16, and was based there for nine years. He worked for General Mills and Pepsi before returning to the UK. He then worked for Richard Branson at the Virgin Group and with Chris Evans at Virgin Radio, while his CV also include a stint with the London Tourist Board.
Ecclestone has long talked to the teams about having someone on board to properly fulfil such a role, but they could never come to an agreement.
It’s only in recent years that Bernie has made a bigger push to exploit the F1 brand and bring on board partners such as LG and Hublot.
The UK media is touting Campbell as a potential replacement for Bernie, but whether his role will extend that far remains to be seen…
Adam Cooper F1 