He was picked for the $500,000 (£311,000/€379,000) per year role six months after he resigned from the USATF board to become a paid consultant charged with help with its sponsorship, media and communications efforts.

Stephanie Hightower, the chair of the governing body's Board of Directors, said that Siegel was unanimously selected after two talent searches over the past 16 months and that he will officially take charge of the organisation next Tuesday (May 1).

Siegel becomes the fourth chief executive of USATF, replacing interim chief executive Mike McNees, who has filled in since September of 2010 when former Major League Soccer boss Doug Logan was sacked.

As a former vice president at Sony/BMG, Siegel boosted revenue in gospel music to record levels and was among the executives who oversaw the careers of such musicians as Justin Timberlake, Britany Spears and Usher.


Siegel also served as President of global operations for Dale Earnhardt Incorporated, selling millions of dollars in sponsorship deals for the group named after a legendary American stock car figure who was killed in a Daytona 500 crash.

The first African-American to graduate with honours from Notre Dame law school, Siegel is also a former USA Swimming Board member.

"The search for our next CEO was a process that we believe will fundamentally change USA Track and Field," said Hightower.

"It forced our Board to put into focus what our greatest needs and priorities are.

"We cast a wide net, not only nationally but internationally in the sports and entertainment arena.

"In the end, it brought us an executive in Max Siegel who blends a knowledge of our sport and its political considerations with an impressive record of success in the broader sports and entertainment markets.

"Based upon his commitment and passion from his stint as a Board member and as consultant, Max thought he could bring some leadership and help to position our sport in the future."

Siegel takes over less than three months before the start of the London Olympics and less than two months before the US Olympic trials.

He will try to rebuild the reputation of the American men's team after a worst-ever Olympic showing in 2008 at Beijing.


The team have been set a target of winning 30 medals at London 2012, where their hopes include 400 metres runner Sanya Richards-Ross (pictured), the the five-time World Championship gold medallist. 

"I'm honoured by the opportunity," Siegel said.

"Since I first got involved with USATF in 2009, I have been passionate about the potential for financial growth and mainstream cultural visibility.

"This sport has it all: charismatic stars, great stories, unmatched diversity, grassroots participation in the tens of millions, a multibillion-dollar sporting-goods industry and a passionate base.

"Connecting those dots is what the Board, our staff and volunteers will work together to achieve."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected] 


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