The roots and the future of Motorsport business development from an insider...
Posted
by
Riccardo Paterni
on
22/12/2025
“ Michael Payne is one of the most influential figures of the modern sports business. A former director of marketing at the International Olympic Committee, he played a central role in creating the IOC’s worldwide sponsorship programme and has advised governing bodies and governments on major events. After leaving the IOC, Payne became special adviser to
Formula 1 supremo
Bernie Ecclestone and now leads Payne Sports Media Strategies, advising sports organisations and governments worldwide.
In his newly published autobiography, Fast Tracks and Dark Deals, Payne gives an insider’s account of more than five decades at the intersection of sport, commerce and politics. "
From the Financial Times 22nd December 2025