The America’s Cup Partnership has confirmed Marzio Perrelli as chief executive officer to increase the footprint of the event under a new partnership structure that will introduce enhanced governance.
At the same time, Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand, the Defender of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup in Naples, will remain in place as the chairman of ACP.
Perrelli, who joins ACP with immediate effect, formerly held senior leadership roles at Goldman Sachs and HSBC prior to entering the media and sports industry in 2018 as executive vice president at Sky Italy. During his tenure, the Italian was responsible for the entire Sky Sports division, leading both editorial and production teams and managing and spearheading developments in the sports rights portfolio.
The ACP was formed back in December by five founding teams: reigning America’s Cup champion Emirates Team New Zealand (New Zealand), Athena Racing (Great Britain), Luna Rossa (Italy), K-Challenge (France) and Tudor Team Alinghi (Switzerland).
It marked the first time in the brand’s 174-year history that competing teams united under shared governance and sporting and commercial structures with a shared revenue system and strengthened cost control measures, replacing the former Defender-centric model.
The move was designed to modernize the sailing event and attract new demographics, as well as to ensure greater financial sustainability and parity between competing organizations.
“The America’s Cup is the oldest and most prestigious competition in international sport,” said Perrelli. “Our responsibility today, on behalf of all stakeholders, is to preserve its deep heritage while ensuring greater continuity, stability and long-term growth.
“The America’s Cup Partnership represents an evolution in how the event is managed, providing a more consistent framework for teams, partners and host venues, while fully respecting the sporting tradition that defines the Cup. By strengthening governance and long-term planning, we aim to create the conditions for sustained investment, continued innovation at the pinnacle of the sport and broader global engagement.
“I am honored to take on this role and look forward to working with all stakeholders to support the future of the America’s Cup’s development.”
Enhanced Organizational Structure
The new independent management team will work alongside the defending team to organize each future edition of the America’s Cup, which is set to take place on a biennial cycle to facilitate a more consistent race calendar.
More teams may yet join the ACP alongside the five founding teams, while the organization says that it is committed to supporting future America’s Cup competitions in both women’s and youth categories.
“On behalf of the ACP Board, it’s an appropriate time to be welcoming Marzio Perrelli as its first chief executive officer,” said Dalton. “It is a unique position in sport at a time of huge opportunity with at least five strong teams confirmed for Naples in 2027 and a changing sporting landscape that sees women onboard the America’s Cup yachts for the first time as well as thriving pathways for women and youth sailors coming through to the apex of sailing.
“The formation of the ACP offers surety and continuity over future regattas and initiatives like the Guest Racer spot onboard the AC75s, and the continuing recon programme offer multi-media opportunities that are undeniable for the growth of the America’s Cup. Signing TV rights with the likes of Italian broadcaster, Rai, will further amplify initiatives already in place.
“Marzio joins at the perfect time with all the credentials to take the event and the sport forward. We wish him well in his new position.”
Perrelli takes office ahead of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta in Sardinia from May 21—24, 2026.
The 2027 edition of the America’s Cup will also take place in Italy, in Naples next year, when Emirates Team New Zealand will be seeking its fourth consecutive title in the event.
Copyright © 2026 by Northstar Travel Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ 07070 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000