Formula 1 has today announced that after four years at Formula 1, Frank Arthofer will step down from his role as Director of Digital and Licensing. Frank and his wife have decided to return home to the United States, with their new-born son, to be closer to family.
Frank joined Formula 1 from the US, following Liberty Media’s acquisition of the sport in 2017. He has been responsible for expanding the sport’s consumer facing businesses and growing the reach of F1 across all digital platforms. Since 2017, Formula 1 has transformed its digital and licensing operations. F1 has become a leading global brand on social media, launched and developed a direct-to-consumer subscription service, and created new, growing businesses in content, consumer products, and e-commerce.
Under Frank’s leadership, F1 has developed a robust gaming portfolio, and created a widely embraced F1 Esports series, featuring all 10 Formula 1 teams. He has also partnered with the F1 teams to tap into new frontiers for the sport, including in trading cards, toys and collectibles. Key metrics, from audience to transactions to revenue, have increased materially during his tenure.
Frank has and will continue to support the transition of his businesses within F1, before officially leaving at the end of January. There will not be a replacement for the role, with Frank’s responsibilities moving into other directorates within Formula 1. F1TV and original content will become part of Media Rights, esports, social media and editorial will become part of Marketing & Communications with Licensing and Digital Advertising moving to the Commercial Partnerships team.
Chase Carey, Chairman, Formula 1®, said: “I want to thank Frank for his dedication and success in building and growing our digital platforms and licensing business. He joined us right at the start of our Formula 1 journey in 2017 and has been a big part of the team that has transformed Formula 1 into a leading global media and entertainment brand. Since.
Frank made his decision last year, he has been a great partner in helping me ensure a smooth transition of his business units – and I am confident that these areas will continue to thrive in their new homes within Formula 1.”
Frank Arthofer, Director of Digital and Licensing, Formula1, said: “It’s been a great privilege to work on the transformation of the unique, world class, company that is Formula 1. Building the team and business from the ground up has been a professional challenge that I have relished and enjoyed from Day 1. I want to personally thank my staff at F1 for their constant focus on improvement, and Chase Carey and the team at Liberty Media for their enthusiastic support over the past 4 years.”
Formula 1 PR
