Offshore Sport Promotion announces changes at the helm
Offshore Sport Promotion (OSP), promoter of the U.I.M. Class 1 World Powerboat Championship, announced today (10.8.98) that Jann Hillestad will be stepping aside as managing director of the company.
Hillestad who in only a limited time has been responsible for the immediate re-emergence of the sport, remains with OSP, and will focus his attentions on strategic marketing aspects in relation to the forthcoming races in Istanbul and Italy. He will also assume the overall marketing responsibilities for the proposed races in Scandinavia in 1999, and following a successful return to racing this season with Andreas Ugland, finishing fourth in Arendal, intends to pursue the possibilities of racing next season.
"Jann has played an important role in OSP’s early development and we are grateful to him for all he has achieved" said Bjorn Gjelsten, the owner of OSP. "He has been directly responsible for creating an effective communications infrastructure and the development of television distribution."
Following last Thursday’s meeting in Oslo, it was confirmed that Richard
Ridout will be taking over as managing director following a season in which he has worked
closely with Hillestad and OSP in his role as U.I.M. Permanent Commissioner.
Ridout is no stranger to offshore and eminently qualified to assume this leading role within Class 1, the pinnacle of international watersport. As promoter and organiser of Guernsey International Powerboat Week for eight years he set the standards the current day organisers strive to emulate. He is actively involved in the sport as U.I.M. Offshore President and Divisional Chairman of the Powerboating Division of the Royal Yachting Association.
As from Monday 10th August 1998, Ridout will assume his responsibilities and
operate all administrative aspects of OSP from his offices in Guernsey.
Contact details:
Richard Ridout
Offshore Sport Promotion
P.O. Box 172
St. Peter Port
Guernsey
GY1 3LF
Channel Islands
Tel: +44 (0)1481 36622
Fax: +44 (0)1481 36004