James Pleasance
London, Uk
James has worked in the marine industry for over 20 years including former roles with Oyster Marine and superyacht publisher Boat International Group.
In 1999, he joined London based Strategic Group managing the sailing sponsorship portfolio for Rolex SA and the global marketing and PR for Nautor’s Swan. He later joined sports marketing agency Octagon to manage the Swedish Match Tour securing new events in Switzerland, Italy, Portugal and Malaysia. During his tenure at Octagon, he also secured sponsorship endorsements for British Olympic Skier Chemmy Alcott and ocean sailor Dame Ellen Macarthur.
In 2004, James worked with Swiss bank UBS to activate their sponsorship of Team Alinghi for the 2007 America’s Cup in Valencia. In 2008, he joined Informa plc to develop the Informa Yacht Group managing the Superyacht Cup regattas, World Yacht Racing Forum, World Marinas Conference and Future Sponsorship conference.
James remains on the board of directors for the World Match Racing Tour and was appointed Executive Director of the Tour in September 2012.