The move will see Johnson continue to head IMG’s client business unit and its business development activities on a worldwide basis.
The new position becomes effective immediately.
Said Kain: “Peter is uniquely qualified for this key position within IMG.
“His experience spans all aspects of our business, from client recruitment and management, to sales and marketing and overall oversight of the company. Peter has long been an integral part of IMG management.”
During his 29-year career at IMG, Johnson has been the personal manager for three NFL MVPs, two first selections in the NFL draft, a world number one male tennis player, a world number 1 female tennis player, a world number 1 female golfer, a world heavyweight boxing champion and numerous NFL all pros and NBA all stars. His clients include Joe Montana, Peyton Manning, Rich Gannon, Tim Couch, Herschel Walker, Ivan Lendl, Martina Navratilova and Nancy Lopez.
Johnson is married to Stephanie Tolleson, a senior corporate vice president of IMG and a member of IMG's Management Committee.
Meanwhile, in another significant move at the marketing giant, Marcus John, managing director for IMG Consulting Asia/Pacific, has also added the title of co-managing director China for IMG.
John, who had been based in Hong Kong, will relocate to Shanghai and share co-managing director duties with John Cappo.
John joined IMG in 2000 to head its strategic consulting business for Asia, after postings in the US, Germany, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand. A German native, he began his career in strategic management consulting before moving into sponsorship/brand marketing and management. His client portfolio includes such corporations as Volkswagon, Motorola, Philips, Merrill Lynch, MCI and adidas.
Said John: “The Chinese market offers unlimited opportunities for various IMG businesses, including corporate sponsorship, events, television and endorsements for clients. “I have learned from working across Asia for many years that China poses the ultimate challenge for corporate success. IMG is more committed than ever to our clients and the China market, for here the future is the present.”
Cappo has been with IMG since 1998. He was previously marketing director of Greater China and managing director of Taiwan before his appointment as managing director China in 2003.
Cappo was the IMG point person for the Beijing Olympic Committee’s 2008 bid. He also developed the Volkswagen Masters - China golf event and serves as the player agent for Zhang Lian-wei, China’s number one golfer, Zheng Jie, China’s top tennis player and Jimmy Wang, Taiwan’s number one tennis player.
