33rd America's Cup: TEAMORIGIN Releases Video Report on Crew Launch Event

TEAMORIGIN have made available further video coverage of Friday's team introductions at the Southampton Boat Show.

The 3 minute clip includes on-board shots of the team sailing GBR75 on what appears to be the Solent recently.



The Afterguard will return to the team introduction in due course with a gallery of stills and moving images marking the event.

TEAMORIGIN's Official Presentation Release & Video

TEAMORIGIN presents its line-up

Sir Keith Mills and Mike Sanderson presented the sailing, design, shore and management teams at the core of TEAMORIGIN, Britain’s challenge for the 33^rd America’s Cup.

At the Southampton International Boat Show today TEAMORIGIN’s Sir Keith Mills and Mike Sanderson, Team Principal and Team Director respectively, announced a roll call of British and international sailing, design, boatbuilding and management talent. This group will take TEAMORIGIN towards its ultimate goal of winning the America’s Cup, the oldest sporting trophy in the world, sailing’s Holy Grail and the only major sports trophy Britain has yet to win.

“This is a British challenge. At least 50% of our team is British. The funding is British, the flag is British, the race boats will be built in Britain, GBR will appear on the mainsail of every one of our racing yachts,” said Sir Keith.

TEAMORIGIN is a new team, but 70% of the line-up have previous America’s Cup experience at the highest level. Four members of the team are past America’s Cup winners, five are round the world race winners and two are recent Olympic gold medallists. Ten countries are currently represented and more than half of the team is British-born.

“This is a modern team, diverse in its origins but already solidly thinking as one group with one aim - to ultimately win the America’s Cup for Britain,” explained Team Director Mike Sanderson.

Britain’s Challenge for the next America’s Cup will be led on the water by triple Olympic medallist Ben Ainslie OBE.

“This is a fantastic challenge and I am really honoured to be in the position of leading a sailing team which I believe has the ability to go out and win the America’s Cup. We now all need to get on with the huge amount of work that lies ahead of us,” said Skipper Ben Ainslie.

Sailing, a mechanised sport, and the America’s Cup, a design and technology-led competition, means that TEAMORIGIN will require a powerful and experienced design office. This will be lead by Briton Andy Claughton, Argentinean Juan Kouyoumdjian, and German Mickey Ickert, all highly experienced with complimentary talents in the refined fields of America’s Cup yacht design.

“I’ve been involved in designing and testing America’s Cup yachts since the 1980s, a period which has spanned three different types of yacht, five different venues and many different teams. Heading into a new era involving a fourth new class, but this time for a powerful British team, is really stimulating for me personally,” said Design Co-ordinator Andrew Claughton.

To be held in 2009 in Valencia, Spain, preparations for the 33rd America’s Cup are picking up pace around the world and a huge amount of interest in TEAMORIGIN’s make-up will be expressed by the five other teams currently entered.

“I’m particularly excited that we have been able to recruit the people to tackle the task. I believe that with the group presented today TEAMORIGIN has the talent resources necessary to design, sail, maintain and manage a world class America’s Cup team,” said Sir Keith.

TEAMORIGIN is a commercially-led team and one that will run on a mixture of private and sponsor funding.

“I’m also happy to announce that Charles Dunstone has decided to join me as a partner in financing this project, something that I believe lends enormous credibility to the seriousness of this campaign.”

As a keen amateur sailor and one of Britain’s leading businessmen Charles Dunstone has a strong personal interest in TEAMORIGIN as many members of his crew from previous campaigns have joined the team.

“I believe it is really important that Great Britain, the origin of the Cup, is represented competitively at this level. I believe that with the team that Keith and Mike have put together we can win. Consequently I have decided to lend my full personal support,” explained Charles Dunstone.

“The modern European America’s Cup competition has created an opportunity that hasn’t existed before. It is now possible to run a commercially viable team at this level. We have the best design, sailing, financial and management talent of a generation available to us. Never before has a British team had all the ingredients necessary for success at the same time. As a result we can compete at the America’s Cup in a manner that no previous British challenge has done before,” concluded Sir Keith.
--Ends--

The Afterguard: TEAMORIGIN Mean Business

Firstly, apologies to our readers - technology has cramped The Afterguard's style somewhat (we were unable to blog live from the show floor), and by now what we have to report will likely be general knowledge... However, few will have reported the team's vital statistics within touching distance of GBR75, so we'll press on regardless...

The Team presented to the world today left The Afterguard in no doubt of the serious intent within TEAMORIGIN. While personal preferences many vary, nobody could honestly deny that TEAMORIGIN have assembled a great team; the deck crew boast the experience of over 35 previous America's Cup campaigns, the design team over 20; & that's without considering experience of other sailing competitions. There's a strong British contingent, along with compatriots of the Team Director. Of obvious benefit is the cohesion present - many of the crew have sailed and worked together, most notably a number of the ABN-Amro team with which Mike Sanderson enjoyed such success.

The biggest surprise of the day came not with regard to crew - Sir Keith Mills has an Investor/Partner, Charles Dunstone of the Carphone Warehouse. This bolsters the financial foundations of TEAMORIGIN, making this no longer a single-benefactor operation. No announcements were made regarding official sponsors, but that isn't surprising considering the current legal status of the 33rd Cup. No doubt Charles' input will ensure a smooth ride for the team during the continuing financial odyssey while his enthusiasm for sailing will be welcomed.

Ben Ainslie is confirmed as Helmsman for the team. We spoke briefly with Ben at the show who confirmed that his TEAMORIGIN and Olympics commitments required very exacting organisation in 2008; more than his words, his focus & determination was palpable and might well explain at least some of his success on the water. We look forward to watching him help develop the TEAMORIGIN challenge.

Overall there was a strong sense of relief from the principle and backroom members of TEAMORIGIN that their component parts had now been publicly identified, and that the project was no longer a plan, but flesh and bones; almost as entertaining as watching GBR75 reaching furiously on the waters of Southampton was to watch the emotion the sight generated amongst the shore crew present - a lot had obviously been put into this day, and the team can feel justifiably proud of their performance; of course everything has yet to be achieved in competition, but they're off and running.

We at The Afterguard have frequently questioned the 33rd Protocol's issue concerning the Defender's inclusion in the challenger series; Former ACM man, Marcus Hutchinson (TEAMORIGIN's Director of External Affairs & Communications) advised us to carefully consider the implications of not just clause 11 (concerning the challenger regattas), but also the ambiguity contained within clause 12 (covering the 'defender series') leaving us with a final tantalising comment, "Watch this space".

Andy Claughton confirmed that he would be flying to Valencia for a September 15th meeting concerning the new boat class, and was keen to see what was open to negotiation and how large the design box would be; of particular concern to him was the need to refine the design's incorporation of a sliding keel in the 12 months or so given to getting the 90' vessel sailing.

We were delighted that Sir Keith himself had a few moments to spare for us, during which he reflected with pride on the team he had assembled to undertake the challenges ahead; when asked to choose to define himself as either a hands-on or hands-off team principle, Sir Keith defined himself as the former, reflecting that he had selected talented individuals to concern themselves with the day to day running of things, while he was on hand to provide direction and support in any way he could.

The Power Behind TEAMORIGIN (L-R):
Sir Keith Mills, Ben Ainslie, Charles Dunstone, Mike Sanderson
Photo © TheAfterguard 2007

Key Personnel
Team Principle: Sir Keith Mills - GBR
Partner & Investor: Charles Dunstone - GBR
Team Director: Mike Sanderson - NZL

Sailing Team
Helmsman: Ben Ainslie - GBR (prev. Emirates Team New Zealand [2004], One World Challenge [2000])
Tactician: Iain Percy - GBR (prev. +39)
Strategist/Traveller: Rob Greenhalgh - GBR (Prev. ABN-Amro)
Navigator: Ian Moore - GBR (prev. Emirates Team New Zealand)
Aft Grinder/Strategist: Andrew Simpson - GBR (Prev. +39)
Mainsheet Trimmer: Neal McDonald - GBR (Prev. Victory Challenge [2007], GBR Challenge [2003], Sydney 95 [1993]).
Trimmer: Robbie Naismith -NZL (Prev. BMW Oracle Racing [2007/2003], Team New Zealand [2000/1995], New Zealand Challenge [1992])
Grinder:
Chris Brittle - GBR (Prev. +39)
David Carr - GBR (Prev. Victory Challenge [2005], GBR Challenge [2003])
Ian Weighell - GBR (Prev. Victory Challenge [2007], GBR Challenge [2003])
Pawel Bielecki - POL (Prev. +39)
Mastman:
Julien Cressant - FRA (Prev. BMW Oracle Racing [2007], Le Defi Areva [2003], 6' SENS Le Defi [2000])
George Skuodas - GBR (Prev. Mascalzone [2007], K-Challenge [2005], GBR Challenge [2003])
Mid Bowman: Kevin Batten - NZL (Prev. BMW Oracle [2007/2003], Tag Heuer [1995], Spirit of Australia [1990])
Bowman:
Justin Slattery - IRL (Prev. K-Challenge [2004])
Matt Cornwell - GBR (Prev. Areva Challenge [2007], GBR Challenge [2003])
Boat Captain: Nick Bice - AUS (Prev. Young Australia [2000])

Design/Technical
Principle Design: Juan Kouyoumdjian - ARG, & his full office (of over 30 people) (Prev. BMW Oracle [2007], Prada [2003], Le Defi [2000/1995]; not in attendance as currently racing in the Star Europeans).
Design Coordinator: Andy Claughton - GBR (Prev. Emirates Team New Zealand)
Technical Director/Navigator: Stan Honey - USA (prev. ABN-Amro)
Aero Director: Mikey Ickert - DEU (Prev. BMW Oracle Racing)
Mast & Spars: Bruce Thompson - NZL (prev. Sparcraft)
CFD: Dr Rodrigo Azcueta - ARG
Performance VPP: Gonzalo Kouyoumdjian - ARG
Head of Structural Design: Andrea Avaldi - ITA

Shore Team
Shore Operations Director: David Duff - NZL
Head Of Boat Operations: Tim Hacket - USA
Boat Builder: Pete Britt - AUS, James Walker - GBR
Head of Tender Operations: Mike Heffer - NZL
Head of Sail Operations: Andrew Witherspoon - NZL
Sailmaker: Paul Gudgeon - GBR/NZL
Rigger: Ian Goldsworthy - GBR
Rig Components: Sid Barker - NZL
Head Chef: Henry Lynskey - NZL

Central Services
Commercial Director: Nick Masson - GBR
Director of Marketing & Events: Leslie Ryan - IRL
Director of External Affairs & Communications: Marcus Hutchinson - IRL/GBR (prev. ACM)
Account Director: Jerry Hill - GBR
Account Director: Adam Walker - GBR
Account Director: Andy Green - GBR
Head of Marketing Services: Daniel Miles - GBR
Merchandising Manager: Serena Gosling - GBR
Events Manager: Emma Ramply - GBR
Commercial Co-ordinator: Emily Jennings - GBR
Finance Director: Dermot Heffernan - GBR
Finance Controller: Diana Puketapu - NZL
HR Director: Viv Jarvis - GBR
HR Manager: Carolyn Spencer - GBR
HR Co-ordinator: Michelle Whittington - GBR
Legal Counsel: Robert Datnow - GBR
Project Manager: Martin Rust - GBR
PA to Sir Keith Mills Debbie Cavanagh - GBR
PA to Mike Sanderson: Charlotte Kootstra - HOL

Apologies to those of the 57-strong ORIGIN team we have omitted - purely down to sore thumbs! Our thanks go to the team for their hospitality.

GBR75's UK Sailing Debut
Photo © TheAfterguard 2007

Inset image: 'TEAMORIGIN Open The Southampton Boatshow' Photo © The Afterguard 2007

TEAMORIGIN Respond to Controversy Surrounding 33rd Protocol

Following recent developments concerning the Protocol released for the 33rd America's Cup and the resulting legal action taken, The Afterguard (no doubt amongst many others) approached the newest officially recognised America's Cup team for their feelings on the situation and the role that The Royal Thames Yacht club might have played in negotiations. We are extremely grateful to the team who have made the following statement public, reproduced in full, in response. We will return in due course with further analysis of the situation but wished to bring the statement to public attention as soon as possible.

This statement may also be read in full, on TEAMORIGIN's website, here.

TEAMORIGIN STATES ITS CASE FOR CHALLENGING

TEAMORIGIN is to open the Southampton Boat Show and present team members next week. Beforehand, it takes the opportunity to state its position on the Challenger of Record question.

Sir Keith Mills and Mike Sanderson, Team Principal and Team Director respectively of TEAMORIGIN, Britain’s challenge for the 33rd America’s Cup, will officially open the Southampton International Boat Show at 11:00 on Friday 14th September. Following the ‘Opening’ formalities TEAMORIGIN will present key new additions to sailing, shore and design teams.

Before this important milestone TEAMORIGIN considered it important to put on the record why it has challenged under what one prospective team has called an invalid Protocol.

A combination of ingredients including Britain’s current depth of talent in all areas of competition sailing and the AC Management (ACM) model of a commercially viable America’s Cup event format means that a unique opportunity for a British challenge to be successful at this level has been created.

“ACM ran a fantastic event this Spring, not only from a sports and entertainment point of view but also by setting the standards on a number of non-sports aspects placing the America’s Cup firmly in the 21st century, in amongst the most important sporting competitions in the world today. Alinghi and ACM should be complimented on running an event in Valencia that has had a massively positive impact not only on the America’s Cup but the sport of sailing as a whole,” comments Sir Keith Mills.

With Alinghi’s victory in July a new Challenger of Record (COR), the Club Náutico Español de Vela (CNEV), was announced and a Protocol governing the 33rd America’s Cup published. The contents came as a bit of a shock for some potential challengers but for TEAMORIGIN it was a clear statement of intent about ACM’s continuing modernisation of the America’s Cup.

“We do not believe that the new Protocol will have a negative impact on the future of the America’s Cup. To the contrary we believe it provides a platform for further growth and some real opportunities for those who decide to challenge,” continues Sir Keith.

TEAMORIGIN believes the Protocol is good for challengers, especially new teams because:

• Of the introduction of a new America’s Cup Class, a new 90 ft yacht, giving every challenger an equal opportunity to start the design process at the same time.
• It prohibits two-boat testing which will reduce costs. New techniques will be developed to refine existing and new yachts, opening up a level playing field for new challengers.
• It allows for regular official racing to be run in Valencia. Teams may race their opponents in practice whilst simultaneously running parallel hospitality and sponsor programmes.

TEAMORIGIN and the Royal Thames Yacht Club were therefore pleased and confident in becoming a strong challenger and sporting example during the 33rd America’s Cup, and officially challenged Defender Alinghi’s club, the Société Nautique de Genève (SNG), on 23rd July.

TEAMORIGIN is now one of four challengers having joined the Spanish Desafio Español (COR), Team Shosholoza of South Africa and Emirates Team New Zealand.

In all of TEAMORIGIN’s dealings with ACM the event authority has acted quickly and constructively. In particular it:

• Announced the Host City as Valencia within three weeks of becoming the organising authority and set the date for the 33rd America’s Cup for July 2009.
• Invited challengers to participate in a series of meetings to define the new Class Rule, the first of which will be held in mid-September with the final rule being published by 31st October.
• Put in place the three-member Arbitration Panel, two members of which were members of the International Jury of the 32nd America’s Cup.

Unfortunately in late July the GGYC, a challenger of the 31st and 32nd America’s Cup represented by BMW Oracle Racing, disputed the legitimacy of the CNEV’s status as a bone fide yacht club as defined in the America’s Cup Deed of Gift and as a result filed a lawsuit in the New York Supreme Court.

TEAMORIGIN’s position on this is clear. The elements specifically defining a yacht club’s status according to the Deed of Gift are clearly stated: “Any organized Yacht Club of a foreign country, incorporated, patented, or licensed by the legislature, admiralty, or other executive department, having for its annual regatta an ocean water course on the sea, or on an arm of the sea, or one which combines both, shall always be entitled to the right of sailing a match of this Cup…”.

The CNEV is recognised by the Real Federación Español de Vela, the Royal Spanish Sailing Federation (RFEV) and that club will hold a regatta on the sea before the end of 2007.

TEAMORIGIN therefore recognises the legitimacy of the COR and hence the Protocol and is mounting its challenge operations for the 33rd America’s Cup based on this Protocol.

“We accept the validity of the Protocol and believe that it fundamentally allows challenging teams a fair opportunity to compete in the America’s Cup. I urge the GGYC and BMW Oracle Racing to withdraw their lawsuits and spurious challenge, which can only damage the reputation of the America’s Cup. I would like to see BMW Oracle submit a proper challenge alongside the four teams that have already challenged so that we can start competing on the water not the court room,” concludes Sir Keith.

--Ends--

BBC World Features TEAMORIGIN's Sir Keith Mills & GBR75

The Afterguard have uncovered recently transmitted footage of GBR75 - racing with the replica 'America' off Valencia in July - as part of a BBC World Television broadcast featuring team principle Sir Keith Mills, looking at the impact of money on the world of sport.

Running at just under 52 minutes, the programme, part of the 'Have Your Say' BBC News & World service, features Sir Keith responding to issues as varied as the London 2012 Olympics, Motor Sport, Cycling & others.

The programme can be streamed from the BBC here.

A segment starting at 18:10 and running for approx. three & a half minutes covers the financial challenges of an America's Cup campaign, including the investment made by Larry Ellison in the 32nd Campaign as evidence that money won't buy you everything in the cup (The Afterguard's interpretation), set against visuals of GBR75's inaugural voyage under TEAMORIGIN ownership, sailing with the replica 'America' off Valencia on 14th July 2007.

Inset image: Photo © Carlo Borlenghi/kospictures.com

Sir Keith Mills Receives Honoury Degree From Loughborough

As self-appointed custodians of all news TEAMORIGIN, The Afterguard notes that the UK's Loughborough University has recognised TEAMORIGIN's founder, Sir Keith Mills, "in recognition of his innovations in business and customer loyalty, and for his role in the leadership of the successful London 2012 Olympic Games Bid."

Lord Sebastian Coe did the honours on 23rd July, 2007 - the same day that TEAMORIGIN's entry for the 33rd America's Cup was officially recognised by ACM - in bestowing upon Sir Keith an honoury Degree of Doctor of Technology, Honoris Causa (Hon DTech).

The full announcement can be read on Loughborough University's website, here.

The Sunday Times Prints In-depth Analysis of Sir Keith's Quest

The Sunday Times spent much time in Valencia during the 32nd America's Cup investigating the background and motivation for Sir Keith Mill's bid for glory, TEAMORIGIN.

In a piece quoting amongst others Peter Harrison & Peter de Savary, Sunday Times journalist Russell Miller writes of the reasoning behind TEAMORIGIN under the banner 'The quest for the cup of woe' - read the full article here.

It's a bravado-piece, including quotes from Sir Keith speaking of the team's chances, “Lunatics like me constantly put themselves at risk,... but I would not do it if I did not think we have a great chance of winning", going on to observe, “It always seemed a tragedy to me that Britain has never won the Cup as we have some of the best sailors in the world, the best boat designers and the best marine technology.”

It's an interesting article & well worth a read, at least until next month when Sir Keith is due to announce his team, hopefully of those best sailors and boat designers he talks about!

TEAMORIGIN's Afterguard Cowes Week Round Up

Although news from TEAMORIGIN has been scarce of late, the two key figures behind the team, owner Sir Keith Mills and Team Director Mike Sanderson, have been busy participating in events at Cowes Week. Updated 13-8-07

Mike Sanderson had on his other sailing hat, seeing his involvement with Pindar's new open 60 reach a finale at Cowes and then on to the Fastnet.

Pindar Open 60 Dismasted
Pindar Photo © onEdition 2007

As reported widely elsewhere, a strange fate befell the vessel when structural failure did for her mast.

Having successfully sea-tested in good winds off New Zealand in mid-July, the Pindar Open 60 was then transported to Europe, and sailed from Belgium to Cowes without incident.

Everything therefore looked set fair for Wednesday's Artemis Challenge - round the island race, a much anticipated first meeting with two new giants of the class, Pindar & Estrella Damm (the Farr-designed Open 60 of Ellen MacArthur's OC Group). Onboard Pindar for the race were Mike Sanderson, Brad Jackson, Mike's wife, Emma Sanderson (née Richards), Jo Royle, along with the yacht's designer, Juan Kouyoumdjian & its owner, Andrew Pindar, among others.

Rounding the South side of the island between the Needles and St Catherine's under spinnaker, with Pindar and Estrella Dam easily leading the field and locked in their own battle in winds of 12-15 knots, Andrew Pindar re counted to SailKarma, “I am very disappointed. I don’t know why it happened. We heard ‘Bang! Bang!’ and then it seemed like a fast sort of slow motion as the sails came down. I am glad the designer Juan Kouyoumdjian was on board and we are now looking at what could have caused it.” Pindar's mast had failed some 2 metres above deck, and we're pleased to report that despite the danger, there were no injuries aboard, apart from some bruised egos. The mast and all rigging were recovered, and the boat was returned to Gosport for urgent attention.

According to Stuart Alexander of the Independent, Mike Sanderson helpfully concluded, "We'll just have to put Humpty back together again."

Sailing Networks got more comment from Mike, “Today was a very disappointing day. We don’t currently know how it happened, it’s a really clean break to the mast, nothing else is damaged. Once we are back at base we will try to get to the bottom of it, but it’s a real disappointment. I think the mast is repairable, but we won’t be able to make the Fastnet this weekend. Prior to the break, Pindar was going really well, we hit 18 knots at one point round by the Needles, which in the light winds we were experiencing was great stuff.”

Meanwhile, Andrew Pindar also commented to Sailing Networks, “To break the mast on Pindar’s first outing was terribly frustrating for everyone involved. I was on board the boat today when the incident occurred, and was utterly impressed by the way that Mike and the crew handled the situation with incredible calm professionalism. Due to the fact that we were unable to finish the race, and compete for the donation from Artemis to our chosen charity, Earthwatch, I will be making a personal donation towards their fantastic work.”

The Afterguard sent its best man to talk with several team members yesterday, and we can reveal that despite Andrew Pindar's initial hopes of rectifying everything in time for the start of the Fastnet (now delayed by 25 hours), the vessel will not be raced anytime soon. A decision is still to be made as to whether to repair the failure in the carbon tube of the deckspreader-supported wingmast, or whether to replace the whole mast section. Either way, the team are now working to ensure that Pindar is in perfect order for November's TJV (Transat Jacques Vabre) from France to Brazil.

As Elaine Bunting pondered in her Yachts & Yachting blog, despite helping in the conceptualisation of the vessel, TEAMORIGIN's Mike Sanderson may never sail her any time soon to a successful conclusion, as he will be unavailable for the TJV due to the anticipated birth of his & Emma's first child - due on 4th November - and his full attention will soon after be required for his America's Cup exploits.

Elsewhere at Cowes, TEAMORIGIN's owner, Sir Keith Mills, was busy onboard with & keeping an eye upon his protege, Alex Thomson Racing, who was busy giving an outing to his new Finot-Conq-designed Hugo Boss II open 60 (AKA the batmobile). During his time, Sir Keith commented on the proposed 33rd Protocol new AC class, "The thing that makes it exciting for TEAMORIGIN is the fact that all the teams are now starting from square one. For a new team that gives us a competitive advantage." Of Cowes, Sir Keith reflected, "It's the one occasion in the UK when pretty much the whole sailing community comes together, young and old, fast boats and slow ones, big ones and small ones. The atmosphere down here in Cowes is extraordinary. It's a great advert particularly for young guys who are just getting into the sport."

The Afterguard chose this particularly quiet time in the British sailing calendar (!) to pay a visit on the new Portsmouth base of TEAMORIGIN. While we didn't expect anyone to be there to offer us a cup of tea (they weren't and they therefore didn't), we couldn't resist a nosey-around. We won't bore you with the full photo-album, but we'll share a couple:

Boathouse 6
Photo © TheAfterguard 2007

TEAMORIGIN's Foyer
Photo © TheAfterguard 2007

TEAMORIGIN - Profile: Sir Keith Mills

In this edition of our series focussing on the key personnel behind Great Britain's bid for America's Cup glory, we turn our attention to Sir Keith Mills, business entrepreneur and TEAMORIGIN's founder & Team Principle. Updated 24/8/07

Name: Sir Keith Mills
Age: 56
Born: 1950, Brentwood, Essex, UK
Educated: UK
Lives: Tonbridge Wells, Kent, UK. Married (to Maureen) with 2 children.
Net Worth: £200 million (Sunday Times Rich List, 2007).

Business Career:

Early years: Sir Keith Mills began his business life at the age of 15 as a copy assistant in Fleet Street with The Economist and The Financial Times, developing in marketing/advertising sales capacities, before moving into the advertising industry.

1981: Led buyout of New York advertising agency, Nadler & Lorimer, becoming CEO of the agency, specialising in serving international packaged goods and service industries.

1987: As Air Miles International Group BV (AMIG), patented and trade-marked 'Air Miles' program prior to introducing the concept to British Airways, who sign up for exclusive UK rights.

1988: British Airways launch Air Miles in the UK.

1994: Sells Air Miles (UK) to British Airways, realising 50% of £10 million price. Sir Keith's Loyalty Management Group continues to represent and develop Air Miles internationally.

2001: Founded Loyalty Management UK.

2002: Loyalty Management UK launch Nectar Loyalty Rewards program.

2003: September; appointed International President and CEO of London 2012, the company founded to run London's bid for the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

2005: July; London wins bid to host 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. Has since established the LOCOG Organising Committee, remaining as Non-Executive Deputy Chairman.

2005: December; Recognised for his work in the successful Olympics bid by being knighted in the Queen's New Years Honours List (other recognitions in 2005: Business Leader of the Year, UK Master Entrepreneur of The Year, Marketing Week's CEO of the Year).

Sir Keith has previously been recognised with an honorary fellowship of the Institute of Direct Marketing (F IDM). He is active on the after dinner speaking circuit.


Sporting Interests:

In addition to his Olympics interests, Sir Keith is a Non Executive Director of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club (appointed in 2006 once Olympic activities could not be considered a conflict of interests), and is a member of the Royal Thames Yacht Club, having long been a keen amateur sailor (his first experience coming at age 9 when dingy sailing; skiing also counts amongst his hobbies).

1999: Wins Clipper Round the World Yacht Race as crew member to youngest ever winning skipper, 25 year old Alex Thomson, to whom Sir Keith has subsequently provided much assistance, supporting one racing yacht (an Ocean 60, 'Hugo Boss') and establishing sponsorship opportunities; Alex describes Sir Keith as 'my friend, business partner and mentor'.

2002: Skippered private yacht 'Frequent Flyer' (Oyster 485) in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to St Lucia.

2006: Voted Sports Industry Personality of the Year.

2007: January: Launches bid to win the 33rd America's Cup, TEAMORIGIN.

2007: Summer: Receives honorary Degree of Doctor of Technology, Honoris Causa from Loughborough University, UK.

Who knows what future chapters will say of Sir Keith's sporting ventures; with his business acumen and achievements to date, there is much for Great Britain to hope for. We'll follow progress and report back.

Inset image: Photo © TEAMORIGIN