ASB MAGAZINE: The World Surf League (WSL) announced the appointment of Joseph Carr as the Chief Strategy Officer and Head of International for the organization. In partnership with the senior management team, Carr will be responsible for overseeing the League’s strategy, corporate development, and the execution of international operations, sales, events, and athlete development. Carr joins the WSL from UFC where he served as a Senior Vice President and Head of International and Content where he managed the organization’s global strategy, operations and media business. In his new role at the WSL, Carr will lead the strategy and execution of the League’s international business and spearhead further integration with the Kelly Slater Wave Co.
“As a lifelong sports fan, I’ve had the opportunity to witness the WSL’s impressive growth over the last few years,” said Carr. “It felt like the perfect time to join the organization and help it further alter the landscape of sport through continued digital innovation and a commitment to its athletes. Few sports have such a global and passionate fan base and a lifestyle component that extends far beyond competition. I am looking forward to driving the League’s expansion efforts and making the WSL a globally-recognized brand.”
Carr is uniquely positioned to drive the League’s global expansion. In his capacity as UFC’s Head of International and Content, Carr crafted the organization’s international expansion strategy bringing new live events around the world, managed the organization’s OTT service – UFC FIGHT PASS, and helped lead the largest buyout in sports history with the sale of UFC to WME-IMG. He first joined UFC as a Senior Director of Investment and Strategy, where his key focus included corporate development, athlete marketing, content strategy, and expansion into emerging markets. Prior to the UFC, Carr worked in private equity.
WSL CEO Sophie Goldschmidt welcomed Carr to the League, “Joe has a very impressive background with groundbreaking achievements in driving the growth of UFC’s global business. He will bring deep experience of developing and executing international growth strategies and also has a proven track record of working with athletes. He will be a fantastic addition to the organization.”
With Carr’s appointment, the WSL further underscores its commitment to further globalization and adds to its impressive roster of talented and experienced sports executives. Carr will be focused on fulfilling Goldschmidt’s vision for expanding engagement around the world, cultivating athlete development programs and unique fan experiences, as well as leveraging the unparalleled opportunity the League has to further integrate the Kelly Slater Wave Company and its groundbreaking technology as well as support the inclusion of surfing in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games to evolve the landscape of competitive surfing around the world.
VIA PRESS RELEASE
