UFC's New C.M.O. & CSAC's Interim C.E.O.

Zuffa's New Chief Marketing Officer

New CMO, Bryan Johnston at Zuffa Headquarters
Las Vegas, NV (PC: Josh Hedges)

Wednesday evening Zuffa announced they have brought on Bryan Johnston to take the position of Chief Marketing Officer (C.M.O.). Bryan comes to Zuffa with 20+ years of experience in the sports industry backed by an impressive resume. After several years with Adidas-Salomon developing marketing strategies and handling athlete contract negotiations, Johnston was hired as Burton Snowboards V.P. of Marketing. Burton Snowboards is the leading snowboard equipment and apparel manufacture (I happen to ride one).
According to the official Zuffa press release, While with Burton, Johnston "cultivated the company brand image and coordinated its message and vision through group initiatives including marketing, new media, corporate alliances and media relations."

Dana White, UFC President, said: "With his experience and leadership in brand marketing, Bryan is a great addition to the company just as we are getting ready to go global. I’m excited to have Bryan on board, and look forward to working with him on all of our company plans and goals.”

Johnston added, “I am honored to be a part of UFC, and to have this opportunity to work with Dana White, Lorenzo Fertitta [Zuffa, LLC co-owner] and their team. What they’ve accomplished with this sport is amazing; I’m excited to be a part of taking UFC to the next level as a global and lifestyle sport.”

Bryan Johnston's addition to the Zuffa taem may be more than a growth-forced expantion. For weeks rumors have swirled of a "deal" Dana will soon announce. MMA sites and reports alike have speculated as to what the announcement that will, "change the UFC and MMA forever" could be. Johnston's presence may add credibility to the tease of a sport-changing deal that is yet-to-be-announced.



California Appoints Interim CEO
The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) announced Tuesday they have appointed retired medical board member Dave Thornton to the position of Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.). Thornton was a member of the California Medical Board for over 32 years holding positions both as the Chief of Enforcement as well as the Executive Director. The CEO position was vacated late last year (Nov.) by Armando Garcia who resigned after a sexual-harassment scandal forced him from office.

It has not been determined how long Dave Thornton will hold the CEO position. Several candidates are being considered for the opportunity. The board votes all new members in and a date has yet to be set for any replacement to be make their case for the position.


Miss something? Questions? Comments? E-mail me: samantha.lynn.johnson@gmail.com

Tomorrow: Week's End Wind Down, Previewing StrikeForce and WEC41 + more...