Mark Turner was appointed Volvo Ocean Race CEO in June 2016.
The Briton, who competed in offshore sailing’s leading international event as a sailor in 1989, and masterminded the Dongfeng Race Team project in the 2014-15 edition, took up the post after 23 years at the helm of global sports marketing company, OC Sport.
Turner has competed in many of the sport's leading events including the Transat Jacques Vabre and the solo Mini Transat, but really made his name in the sport by masterminding Briton Ellen MacArthur’s successful Vendée Globe race in 2001 when she finished second.
He then oversaw her breaking the solo circumnavigation of the world record in 2005, taking the sport to a wider audience than ever before, both in their native United Kingdom, but also around the world. Turner went on to launch the very successful Extreme Sailing Series with OC Sport as well as many other leading adventure sports events.
Turner’s sporting vision and business acumen is set to contribute greatly to the future of the Volvo Ocean Race that has one of the most significant global footprint in both media and business-to-business terms, and a fascinating history dating back to 1973. The commitment to the numerous stakeholders, Volvo and the other team and event partners, and also to the sport of sailing in general, is at the forefront of Turner’s commitment.
Turner, who is also a very keen cyclist, swimmer and skier, is married with two children.
Short biography
Born: Isle of Wight, England in July 1967
1985-90 – Lieutenant, Seaman Officer, Royal Navy
1989-90 – Competed in Whitbread Round the World Race on British Defender
1989-92 – Operations, Sales and Marketing Director, Winning Winches
1992-98 – Marketing Director, Spinlock
1993-2016 – Founder and Executive Chairman, OC Sport
June 2016 – CEO, Volvo Ocean Race