Formula One expert Mark Gallagher on the career of Bernie Ecclestone

Picture: Mark Gallagher

GlobalTopspeaker Mark Gallagher, keynote speaker on leadership, teamwork andmotivation not only has worked in Formula One for almost 30 years but spent 20of those working closely together with Bernie Ecclestone, the former chiefexecutive of Formula One Group. Mark Gallagher, like no other, therefore hadthe chance to observe Bernie’s management style and methods first hand and cangive audiences a compelling insight into the workings of a global multi-milliondollar entertainment business - as this is what Bernie Ecclestonesingle-handedly turned the sport into.

 

While building his empire, Bernie was not disinclined to resort to strong-arm tactics. According to Global Topspeaker Mark Gallagher, he was an expert in splitting the most consolidated consortium and used the divide-and-conquer approach so many times that it is simply amazing, only few TV executives, teams or promotors ever saw it coming.

And so, over the years, Bernie Ecclestone created an international sports entertainment brand that generated revenues not only from circuits, but from television companies and sponsors alike. A remarkable business model that made Bernie, as well as the various owners of the top teams, a lot of money.

After the takeover of Formula One by the American company Liberty Media was announced last September, however, it was just a matter of time for Bernie’s reign as the boss of Formula One to end. But even though it was anticipated, now that it has happened, it is still an event of seismic proportion.

According to Global Topspeaker Mark Gallagher, who today heads a sports investment group, it is no wonder that these days, many are starting to reflect on Bernie Ecclestone’s commercial dominion of Grand Prix motor racing and ask themselves what the future will hold in view of owners that are intent on growing it even further.In Mark Gallagher’s opinion, however, Bernie Ecclestone is irreplaceable, not only because this would be unachievable, but also because it would be undesirable. There will definitely never be another like him.

 

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