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VETERAN MARKETING EXECUTIVE JOINS ALLTECH FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES STAFF

28/08/2006

Lexington, Ky. — The World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc. has hired previous senior Ashland executive Rolf G. Linder as Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing / Chief Marketing Officer for the Foundation’s signature event, the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park in 2010.

Linder begins his duties this week and is prepared to join the rest of the staff and Foundation members in Aächen, Germany to observe this year's Games. His first task for the 2010 Games will be to develop the four-year sponsorship and marketing plan and work closely with staff, sponsors and the Foundation to develop the look and personality of Kentucky's Games.

Linder was most recently a Vice President of Ashland Inc.'s Growth Team. Previously, he served as the Vice President of Marketing for the company's Valvoline Division. His key responsibilities were helping the organization rebuild its marketing structure, capitalizing on sports sponsorships, and rebuilding the Valvoline brand to its recent 36-month market share high. Other highlights of his 28-year career include marketing positions at Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati, OH and Cadbury Schweppes, in Stamford, CT. He has also worked in the non-profit sector serving as the Vice President of Marketing for Outward Bound USA, Garrison, NY, where he gained experience with sponsorship recruitment, business development and marketing to help grow the global non-profit organization.

“We are fortunate to have found someone with Rolf's experience and credentials in our backyard” said Jack Kelly, CEO for the World Games 2010 Foundation. “Our Foundation board came to know Rolf through his volunteer efforts on our public relations/marketing committee and quickly found he had the combination of experience and know-how that we were looking for to handle the sales & marketing efforts for the Games. Because he has both corporate and non-profit experience and a wealth of sports marketing and sponsorship experience for global organizations, he was the perfect match for our needs.”

“I'm excited about the opportunity that the Games present for me both personally and professionally,” said Linder. “A key driver for making this move is applying my business experience to a larger cause that will excite athletes, fans, sponsors and our communities. In 2010, we’re inviting up to 500,000 spectators— many from around the globe— to our Kentucky ‘backyard’ and I’m delighted to be part of this effort. With Alltech’s leadership as $10 million title sponsor, the 2010 games are off to a strong start that will only build momentum from here.”

Linder is a graduate of Princeton University and Ashland Inc.’s Executive Management Program at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. He lives in Lexington with his wife and three children.

The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park, are the world championships of the eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and are held every four years. The Games have never before been held outside of Europe; nor have all eight disciplines been held together at a single site— both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park. The 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games are currently underway in Aächen, Germany and run through September 3. Approximately 800 athletes and 875 horses are expected to compete. The 2010 Games in Kentucky are expected to attract more than 500,000 spectators and have an economic impact of more than $150 million.

Media Contact:
Jack Kelly (011-423-663-01-4115)
Note: Jack Kelly is currently in Aächen, Germany where there is a six hour time difference. If the current time in Lexington is 8 a.m. it is 2 p.m. in Germany.

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