"VAN" (Sports Desk - 08.05.2025) :: In a move to continue building on the strong and growing fan engagement and commercial success of the organisation, World Athletics has appointed James Mulligan as Communications Director.
Mulligan has 18 years of international sport experience, developing and implementing communication strategies for international sports federations, major events, and leagues. He has strong sports media contacts and is well-known and respected in the athletics world. He brings a strong vision, creativity, energy, and ambitious goals to a leadership role that will be vital as we look to accelerate the growth of athletics at all levels.
Most recently, he has been leading on media and communications for Commonwealth Sport in London during the awarding of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. He was previously communications director for European Championships Management Sàrl in Nyon, Switzerland, playing a pivotal role in the development of the multi-sport European Championships in Glasgow and Berlin in 2018 and Munich 2022.
He was in charge of brand and communications for European Athletics for 10 years, and has also worked in communication roles with the International Swimming League and Fédération Internationale de Volleyball.
Commenting on the appointment, World Athletics CEO Jon Ridgeon said: “Over the course of the past few years, World Athletics has been steadily growing its portfolio of partners and global fans. This renewed focus on athletics underlines the vibrancy and appeal of our sport to commercial partners which has seen World Athletics' income grow strongly by more than 25% in the past four years.
“James’ experience in sport and knowledge of athletics will help us to continue building on this momentum and expand our reach in this new and exciting chapter for our organisation – and we are delighted to have him on board.”
Commenting on his appointment, Mulligan said: “In the past 10 years, World Athletics has undergone a root-and-branch reform that has seen the sport re-emerge as relevant, inspiring and transformative for society and further consolidate its position as the No.1 Olympic sport. The organisation has established itself as the pioneering and uncompromising leader in world sport. I look forward to ensuring the values and principles that underpin our sport are clearly communicated and that we celebrate our athletes, coaches, partners and Member Federations through compelling storytelling that elevate them to sports fans worldwide.”
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