The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announces that Michael Payne will step down from his post as Director of Global Broadcast and Media Rights on 31 August after the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

Mr Payne’s career at the IOC has spanned 15 years, primarily as Marketing Director from 1989 to 2003, during which time he contributed greatly to the development of the IOC’s marketing initiatives, most notably The Olympic Partners (TOP) global marketing programme. In 2003 he took up the newly created post of Director of Global Broadcast and Media Rights, and played a key role in the recently concluded European TV rights negotiations.

‘The IOC would like to thank Michael for the outstanding role he has played over the years in helping to shape the marketing programmes which today provide the financial resources that allow the Olympic Movement to develop its missions around the world. We should like to thank him and wish him every success for the future,’ said IOC President, Jacques Rogge.

Mr Payne will join the world of Formula One, working as a special advisor to the President of Formula One Management, Bernie Ecclestone.

For more details contact:

Karen Webb
Manager, Marketing Communications
IOC
Tel: +41 21 621 6415
Fax: +41 21 621 6216
karen.webb@olympic.org