World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) Names Andrew Messick Chief Executive Officer

WTC Names Andrew Messick Chief Executive OfficerWorld Triathlon Corporation (WTC), owner and organiser of Ironman, Ironman 70.3, 5150, Iron Girl and IronKids branded-events, today announced that it has named Andrew Messick Chief Executive Officer. Messick joins WTC from AEG, where he has served as President of AEG Sports since 2007. He previously served as Senior Vice President of NBA International. He brings more than a decade of experience in leadership roles at global sports and entertainment companies.

“WTC has rapidly become a large, diversified and international company,” said Ben Fertic, who has served as WTC CEO since 2004. “As we work to meet the global demand for high quality endurance events, our Board and I recognize the need for leadership with hands-on experience at large, international companies. Andrew has a tremendous track record of helping global companies bolster their brands and grow internationally while delivering the highest quality events and products to participants, sponsors and media partners. He knows us well already as an experienced endurance athlete and two-time Ironman finisher who also qualified for and raced in the Ironman World Championship 70.3. He understands and appreciates the authenticity of the lifestyle that is at the core of our brands. We are excited that he is joining the team.”

Fertic will remain a key shareholder of WTC and will continue serving on the Board of Directors. He will also assume the newly created position of President, which includes leading WTC’s acquisition program and helping to build new event series and new businesses.

“WTC has a unique and hugely compelling appeal to the full spectrum of athletes “from dedicated Ironman athletes to youth becoming active in sports for the first time,” said Messick. “Ben has done a fantastic job building this company from five employees and two owned races to over 250 employees and more than 180 events in 20-plus countries while preserving the high caliber of the brands and the value for participants, sponsors and partners. I look forward to working together with everyone at WTC to continue building the brands into the greatest participation sports platform in the world and to delivering consistent, world-class customer service across all our events.”

At AEG, owner of more venues, sports teams and events than any company in the world, Messick played a leading role in its international development and for its sports teams and properties, including the Amgen Tour of California, Bay to Breakers foot race, Euroleague Basketball, AEG China and other initiatives. He worked at the NBA from 2000 to 2007, where he served as Senior Vice President of NBA International. He was responsible for overseeing the NBA’s network of international offices and for leading the NBA’s efforts to globalize. Messick joined the NBA from Sara Lee Corporation, where he held a range of business development, marketing and general management positions in the UK, Australia and Canada. Previously, he worked for the international management consultancy McKinsey & Co. in Chicago and Amsterdam. Messick earned a BA in Economics and Psychology from the University of California, Davis and an MBA from the Yale School of Management.