Former IMG Motorsport minds link up at Extreme E
Extreme E, the radical new electric race series which kicks off in January 2021, has further strengthened its team with two former IMG employees joining back up together at its London HQ.
Tiernay Oliver has joined as Extreme E’s Social Media Manager. Having previously run the digital channels for the FIA World Rallycross Championship at IMG, Tiernay is well versed in the world of off-road racing and using the necessary tools to build digital growth and engagement on a global scale.
In his new role with Extreme E, Tiernay is responsible for delivering the championship’s social media strategy as well as overseeing the production of all creative and content elements.
“Extreme E is creating something very different in motorsport," said Tiernay. "Our electric SUV is highly impressive; we have top driver talent raring to be involved; the locations are stunning, offering diverse driving terrains; and best of all, the purpose, racing to raise awareness for the planet, is incredibly engaging.
“Our social feeds will be crucial in giving fans a front row seat to the action, and as a lifelong motorsport fan, I could not ask for a better opportunity than to get to be part of the team which gets to bring this all to life.”
As one of his first assignments, Tiernay spent three weeks in the Saudi Arabian desert overseeing Extreme E’s social media activities as the championship’s E-SUV, ODYSSEY 21, took part in its first on-stage outing at the Dakar Rally. As a result of his engaging content, boosted when YouTube superstar Ken Block was secured as the driver, Extreme E’s digital following has increased by more than 60% in the past month alone.
Tiernay links up once again with former IMG Motorsport colleague James Taylor, who joined Extreme E in May 2019. James previously worked as IMG’s Vice President for the FIA World Rallycross Championship, where he was responsible for managing the IMG Rallycross team and overseeing the series’ partners and venues, as well as working closely with manufacturers including Volkswagen, and Peugeot.
Now Extreme E’s Head of Business Affairs and Chief Legal Officer, James is integral to the vision and success of Extreme E as he leads on commercial rights and the championship’s overall business activities. In addition to leading delivery of commercial strategies and policies, James also undertakes commercial negotiation and contracting.
Commenting, James says: “Tiernay is hugely talented and I am delighted that he has joined us at Extreme E. We are building a really impressive team here which is vastly experienced across all forms of motorsport, and beyond. We are all really passionate about creating a motorsport which has real purpose and are certainly enjoying the journey as we bring this innovative new series to life.”
Extreme E will see E-SUVs competing in formidable environments around the world which have already been damaged or affected by climate and environmental issues. The five-race global voyage highlights the impact of climate change and human influences on some of the world’s most remote locations and promotes the adoption of electric vehicles to help preserve the environment and protect the planet.
Further Extreme E announcements will follow in the coming weeks as the championship builds towards its January 2021 start-date.