Williams hires former UFC VP Asencio as new commercial boss

©Williams

Williams Racing has hired Paul Asencio from mixed martial arts company UFC as its new chief revenue officer who will oversee the team's commercial and marketing operations.

Asencio, who spent five years at UFC as the senior vice-president of its Global partnerships, will be based in Williams' New York office.

Prior to UFC, the American executive fulfilled senior business development and corporate partnership roles at Fanatics and the New York Mets Major League Baseball team.

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"As we continue the transformation of Williams Racing, we are delighted to welcome Paul to reinforce our marketing and commercial team," Williams chairman Matthew Savage said in a team statement.

"He has a fantastic track record in global sports including UFC and MLB and we look forward to having him contribute to our journey."

Asencio added: "I'm incredibly excited to be joining Williams Racing. Formula 1 is on a massive growth trajectory and I'm happy to be a part of it."

Asencio's nomination follows that earlier this year of Frederic Brousseau as the team's new chief operating officer.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.