Russell Reynolds Associates Taps CEO for USA Volleyball
January 6, 2017 – Russell Reynolds Associates has recruited Jamie Davis as chief executive officer of USA Volleyball in Colorado Springs. He replaces Doug Beal, who retired at the start of the year, and becomes the seventh CEO of USA Volleyball.
Mr. Davis stood out in the search process as having the qualities to help USA Volleyball meet and exceed the organization’s short- and long-range goals. Russell Reynolds worked alongside a search committee which included various representatives of each constituent group, sponsors and athletes representing all three disciplines including Misty May-Treanor, a three-time Olympic Games beach volleyball gold medalist, Tayyiba Haneef-Park, a two-time Olympic indoor volleyball silver medalist, and Brent Rasmussen, the paralympic representative to the board.
“The priority of the board was to find a chief executive with prior business experience and a track record of success in key areas that align with our strategic priorities,” said USA Volleyball board of directors chair Lori Okimura. “As we look ahead to the Tokyo Olympics, it is critical for us to be at the forefront of finding new revenue streams, creating events and programs to sustain our competitive excellence of our national team pipeline in all disciplines, and providing additional resources to the 40 Regional Volleyball Associations of USA Volleyball to continue building its membership and strengthening their local programs to help our sport serve all who are interested to participate.”
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Cross Industry Experience
Mr. Davis becomes the first CEO to come from outside the USA Volleyball landscape joining the organization from a sports media, marketing and business background. His vast business and media pedigree includes founding his own company, Jomandrew Sports and Entertainment, as his latest entrepreneur endeavor after leading Fanatics, Inc., the world’s largest online retailer of officially licensed sports merchandise.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Davis served as president of television network Versus (now rebranded as NBC Sports Network), along with several roles within News Corporation such as president of China and managing director of ESPN STAR Sports. His entry into the television world started with CBS Sports as its finance manager before joining the launch team of Fox Sports and serving as its vice president of finance.
“I am excited to share my background in sports media, e-commerce and technology to provide fresh insights into the USA Volleyball organization,” said Mr. Davis. “I look forward to reaching our constituents through new media channels; developing fresh marketing and brand awareness for the organization, the regions and our athletes; creating new sponsorship opportunities; and growing grassroots participation from the ground up with the goal of expanding USA Volleyball’s success in international competition.”
“I am pleased to welcome Jamie Davis to lead USA Volleyball into new areas of business that will strengthen our 40 Regional Volleyball Associations, support the competitive excellence of our national teams, and continue to support our development in all areas of beach, indoor and sitting volleyball in the United States,” said Ms. Okimura. “We are embarking on a period of unlimited potential for USA Volleyball in reshaping the business of our sport and taking full advantage of the resources that Jamie brings to the table that will help us reach the next level.”
Russell Reynolds provides executive search services across all areas of the global media, entertainment, technology and athletics markets. The firm’s consultants bring the experience and ability to assess competencies and cultural fit of board members, CEOs, senior functional leadership and players, with expertise in professional sports teams and leagues (CEOs, general managers, coaches and players); digital, media and entertainment; technology-based startups .
Contributed by Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor, Hunt Scanlon Media
