Knut Frostad, CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race, is stepping down at the end of 2015 after eight years at the helm for family reasons (full story below).<\/p>\n
– Chief to leave after three editions at the helm<\/p>\n
– \u2018I want to dedicate time to my family now\u2019<\/p>\n
– Search is underway for new Race\u00a0CEO<\/p>\n
ALICANTE, Spain, September 11, 2015 – Knut Frostad, CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race, is stepping down at the end of 2015 after eight years at the helm for family reasons.<\/p>\n
The 48-year-old Norwegian has guided the event over three editions in 2008-09, 2011-12 and 2014-15 after taking over as chief executive in March 2008.<\/p>\n
Frostad said it had been a journey he was very proud of, transforming the race into a high-level professional organisation as well as making significant and key changes to the race format while retaining a strong focus on the history and legacy of the 42-year-old race.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith almost half of my life and a lot of passion invested in the race, it has been one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am an \u2018all-or-nothing\u2019 person and this is an \u2018all-or-nothing\u2019 race. I now want to dedicate more of my time to my young family.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Volvo Ocean Race is in a strong position for the future with a proven one-design format, a great team at our Alicante headquarters and ambitious and committed owners in Volvo Car Group and Volvo Group.\u201d<\/p>\n
Senior members of the Race\u2019s board have paid tribute to Frostad.<\/p>\n
\u201cKnut has done a fantastic job in leading and developing the Volvo Ocean Race. We could not have had a more passionate leader and we understand and respect his wish to spend more time with his family. We will all miss him a lot,\u201d said Henry St\u00e9nson, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications and Sustainability Affairs, Volvo Group, and Per L\u00f6jdquist, Chairman of the Volvo Ocean Race Board, in a joint statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cKnut has been the face and the driving force behind what is the most challenging and prestigious ocean race in the world. We regret but, at the same time, respect his decision and we can only wish him and his family the best of all winds,\u201d added Alain Visser, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Customer Service, Volvo Car Group.<\/p>\n
Frostad, who competed in four editions of sailing\u2019s leading offshore race dating back to 1993-94, including twice as a skipper and founder of teams, continued: \u201cThe late Sir Peter Blake once said about the race: \u2018There\u2019s nothing like it – it gets in your blood and you can\u2019t get rid of it!\u2019<\/p>\n
\u201cI know that will be my challenge too. The Volvo Ocean Race is such a unique life experience and I am truly grateful for my time as head of the organisation, but also for all the friendships I have formed during this time.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been a privilege to work for Volvo and all the other stakeholders in the race, many of whom have become personal friends.\u201d<\/p>\n
Frostad will remain in the position as CEO until the end of 2015, while the search for his replacement has already started.<\/p>\n
via Frostad steps down as Volvo Ocean Race CEO| Volvo Ocean Race 2014-2015<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Knut Frostad, CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race, is stepping down at the end of 2015 after eight years at the helm for family reasons (full story below). – Chief to leave after three editions at the helm – \u2018I … Continue reading