The Australian Grand Prix Corporation has hired Monica Kent-Giles as general manager of marketing and communications, spearheading the annual Formula 1 Grand Prix and MotoGP events, both held in Victoria.
Kent-Giles is a well known figure in the industry with 15 years experience on the marketing circuit. The last team she raced for was News Limited's Herald and Weekly Times as the marketing director. She also has experience at APN and News International’s The Times and Sunday Times in the UK.
“I am thrilled to be a part of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation team,” Kent-Giles said in a statement slightly longer than something that would come from former F1 World Champion Kimi Raikkonen. “We are so privileged to host the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix and Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in Victoria and I look forward to working closely with all those associated with these two world-class events.”
Andrew Westacott, chief executive and team boss of the Australian Grand Prix Coporation, said he was delighted with his new hire.
“The interest in Formula One Grand Prix and MotoGP has never been greater. Monica will lead our very established marketing and communications team delivering clear insights and strategic direction with the goal of growing revenues and enhancing value for our customers and commercial partners.”
It won't be a simple challenge for Kent-Giles. This year the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix welcomed a new title sponsor in Rolex (reportedly helped along by Bernie Ecclestone) but next years' event is currently in the spotlight with the race likely to lose its spot as the inaugural round of the 2014 World Championship to Bahrain.
The Australian Grand Prix has also previously been in the headlines for its constant revenue losses with tax payers making up the deficit. A race in Melbourne is guaranteed until 2015 but earlier this year The Age reported then-Victorian premier Ted Baillieu wanted a race beyond 2015 but had not yet begun talks.
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