Sports Recruitment International

Name:   Sam Hollis
Company:   America's Cup Event Authority
Position:   General Counsel
Current home town:   San Francisco


CAREER


Who/what inspired you to make the move into sport?

When a lawyer Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, I worked on London 2012's bid to host the Olympics which cemented my desire to combine my profession (law) with my passion (sport).   

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I work on major sports events and the highlight is always seeing the event come together having been involved in putting all the pieces of the jigsaw together.

What does your typical day at the America's Cup involve?

Every day is different but my focus is generally split between preparing for and contracting the 16 America's Cup World Series events which will take place around the world between now and 2013, and liaising with the Local Organizing Committee in San Francisco to prepare for the America's Cup Finals to take place in San Francisco in the summer of 2013.

How are plans for AC34 going? 

It's early days still but the new product is spectacular: the best sailors on the fastest boats, presented via a revolutionary new television production never before seen in sailing. We had our inaugural America's Cup World Series event in Portugal in August, we we're already planning for the next events in Plymouth (UK) in September and in San Diego in November.  See americascup.com for more information!

What are the most challenging aspects of your job?

The travel, definitely.  It's been a pretty relentless international travel schedule over the last 10 months or so.

What are the most enjoyable aspects of your job?

Building the teams as the organization took shape and seeing the events come together after all the hard work putting the nuts and bolts in place.

What tips would you give to students wanting to break into the sports industry?

Research your sector carefully and try to get in front of people rather than relying on letters and emails.  Take a risk and follow your passion. 


SPORT/ LIFE


Favourite sports to participate in:

Marathons, triathlons and endurance races.

Favourite sports to watch:

The Tour de France, especially now it's finally getting cleaner (of doping).  Go Team Sky!

What in your opinion has been the sporting highlight of the past 12 months?

On a personal level, having worked previously for the International Cricket Council, it was pretty special to see Dhoni hit a six in Mumbai to win the Cricket World Cup for India at home.  On a pure sporting level, it has to be Mark Cavendish winning 5 stages and the green jersey in this year's Tour de France.

What will be the sporting highlight of the next 12 months?

The Brownlee brothers will win gold and silver for Britain at the Triathlon at the London 2012 Olympics.

Non-sport hobbies:

Cinema and travel (recreational, not work!).

Where did you go for your last holiday?

Mykonos and Santorini in the Greek Islands.

What piece of technology would you be lost without?

My BlackBerry, obviously!