SailGP Chief Executive Officer

Sir Russell Coutts

In partnership with Oracle Founder Larry Ellison, Sir Russell Coutts founded SailGP in 2018. As Chief Executive Officer, Russell has led SailGP’s vision to redefine the sport of sailing (…), overseeing the transformation of the global racing championship into one of the world’s fastest-growing, most innovative sports and entertainment properties.
Russell’s extensive sailing career has spanned all areas of the sport. He has won the America’s Cup five times, including three times as skipper (1995, 2000, 2003) and twice as CEO (2010, 2013). His three undefeated campaigns (14-0) make him the most successful helmsman in the history of the event.
Coutts is also an Olympic champion (1984), 12-time world champion and two-time World Sailor of the Year. He became a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1985, Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1995 and a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2009.
He is the founder of the Russell Coutts Sailing Foundation aimed at introducing youth to the joys of the sport and to help each participant grow in character and personal confidence. The Foundation’s training programs incorporate the coaching of sailing skills, as well as providing opportunities for non-competitive fun events on the water and social events off the water, for both the sailors and their families.