Shock resignation
Volvo Ocean Race CEO Mark Turner has announced he will be stepping down from the top position and that Volvo will be reconsidering recently announced changes to the race schedule.
29 September 2017
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Bare weeks out from the next Volvo Ocean Race, visionary CEO Mark Turner has announced he will be stepping down from the top role and that Volvo will be reconsidering the recently announced changes to the race schedule, putting the 2019-2020 event on hold. A revised schedule will be announced as soon as possible.
Turner says he will stay on board until a suitable replacement has been found.
There is speculation that the reason for Turner’s resignation may be involvement in the next America’s Cup hosted by Emirates Team New Zealand, with former AC head Iain Murray having moved to a position with Australian Sailing.
At issue is Turner’s plan to introduce new Volvo 60 foiling monohulls to the 2019-2020 race and to change the race’s cycle from three years to two. According to Volvo, the design work on the Super 60 concept continues, but additional planning time is required to implement the scheduled changes, specifically in relation to the race cycle.
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Since taking on the role 16 months ago, Turner re-introduced an immense leg stretching nearly 20,000km from Cape Town to Auckland and pushed the inclusion of women in the sport, with incentives for recruitment of female crew.
“Although I have decided to step down from my position, I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to lead the Volvo Ocean Race at this important time. I am confident the 2017-18 race will be one of the best ever,” said Turner.
“Whilst we regret the fact that Mark has decided to step down from his current role, we are grateful for the hard work and contribution over the last 16 months. The leadership team Mark has put in place will ensure the race remains both a world class sailing and business platform and we wish him all the best for the future,” said Henry Stenson, Chairman of the Volvo Ocean Race supervisory board.
According to organisers the schedule change will not affect the 2017-2018 race, which will proceed as announced. The race will start in Alicante on October 22, 2017 and finish in The Hague in June 2018. The teams are: Team AkzoNobel, Dongfeng Race Team, MAPFRE, Vestas 11th Hour Racing, Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag, Turn The Tide on Plastic and Team Brunel.
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