Ex-AS Roma CEO and New York Knicks executive hired by COTA to continue its expansion. COTA hires experienced executive in aim to build on record year.

Circuit of the Americas has named Mark Pannes president for strategic and corporate growth. Some of his previous stops include CEO of AS Roma, Vancouver Whitecaps, CMO of the NY Knicks and founder of HSBC private bank’s global sports group in London.

Mark Pannes has been brought in by Circuit of The Americas in order to help continue its expansion.

The American track has become a regular venue on the Formula 1 calendar, having facilitated the return of the series to the United States ten years ago. Last year’s United States Grand Prix drew a record attendance for COTA of 400,000 people.

In addition to Formula 1, the venue also welcomes NASCAR and MotoGP, as well as boasting an amphitheatre that is used for concerts and events. This means that, as Circuit of The Americas now wants to build on the positive outcome of that 2021 United States GP, Mark Pannes has been given the responsibilities of president for strategy and corporate growth.

His tasks for Circuit of The Americas will be to “oversee the Circuit’s portfolio of new business properties which are in various stages of development and poised to reach across its 1,500-acre campus”.

Show your support for Scuderia Ferrari with official merchandise collection from Puma!

“This is such an exciting opportunity,” said Pannes in a statement from the Circuit of The Americas. After hosting the highest attendance Formula 1 grand prix weekend of all time, MotoGP, The Rolling Stones and the Peppermint Parkway Holiday Festival all within the last few months, the Circuit of The Americas is poised for tremendous growth. Our chairman’s vision for adding sports and entertainment properties and attractions in rapid fashion over the coming years positions COTA to be North America’s premier destination for marquee events.”

COTA chairman Bobby Epstein explained: “It’s an honour to welcome Mark to our team. His business background and approach is a perfect fit with our community-oriented, fan-centric culture. I look forward to Mark helping guide our growth and further our success.”

The 2022 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix will take place at the Circuit of The Americas on October 23, but that will not be the first visit of the year to the nation. Instead, the Miami Grand Prix is set to be held for the first time on May 8.