British America’s Cup team Athena Racing has appointed two-time Olympic medallist Ian Walker as the chief executive officer of its America’s Cup challenge.
Walker is no stranger to the America’s Cup, having skippered Britain’s Wight Lightning in the 31st America’s Cup in 2003.
His sailing prowess also includes leading three Ocean Race campaigns, culminating in victory in the 2014 – 15 edition, with Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing.
His career moved to leading high-performance teams off the water and he served as performance director for the British Sailing team that saw the team top the sailing medal table at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
New America’s Cup Partnership
Following that, Ian moved to North Sails leading the company’s UK sailmaking team for three years.
Walker joins the Athena Racing Team following a recent announcement of a new America’s Cup Partnership led by an independent management team.
“It’s an exciting moment to return to the America’s Cup with a British challenge that has the continuity of the last three campaigns, alongside the recent creation of the America’s Cup Partnership.
“That was a big part of my decision to take this on, because I believe in what the ACP is trying to achieve – creating sustainable business model for the competition.
Sailors and designers
“I’ve also worked with several members of the team previously, which gives me real confidence in what we’re building together.
“This Cup has evolved enormously since I was last involved in terms of the boats, the technology, and even the balance between sailors and designers.
“But at its core, it remains unchanged, it’s about managing your resources, getting the best out of your people, and making every second count, in a race against time, and the clock is ticking.”
Athena Racing team principle, Sir Ben Ainslie, added: “Ian is an exceptional leader with a proven track record of success with high-performance campaigns across the very top of our sport, there are very few people as qualified, both on and off the water.”
Complexity of running teams
Ainslie added: “He also understands the complexity of running teams that need to be at the forefront of innovation and performance while meeting both budget and timeline demands.
“For AC38 that timeline is tight and we needed a CEO who could hit the ground running and Ian can do that, he understands how to drive teams forward and the importance of continuity in achieving the ultimate goal.”
Walker concluded: “The America’s Cup transcends the sport of sailing and has so much untapped potential.
“I am excited about what lies ahead, just imagine how cool it would be for the team to win it for Britain.”
