With the launch of the new NASCAR.COM digital experience scheduled for Jan. 1, 2013, NASCAR Digital Media announced today a key hire with the addition of Colin Smith. Formerly Raycom Sports’ vice president, new media and distribution, Smith was named managing director, digital platform for the sanctioning body’s digital properties.
Smith, a veteran digital media executive, will report to Marc Jenkins, vice president of NASCAR Digital Media. Smith will be responsible for the business of NASCAR’s digital platform which includes NASCAR.COM as well as the tablet and mobile experience. Under Smith’s purview will be e-commerce, subscription products, site optimization and content development.
“Getting in on the ground floor of a project like this is very exciting and is a once-in-a-career-like opportunity,” Smith said. “NASCAR has one of the most passionate and loyal fan bases in the world and I’m looking forward to being part of the team that ensures they have the ultimate online experience that drives fan engagement and helps grow the sport.”
Having successfully launched the new digital business in 2004 for Raycom Sports, Smith has extensive experience building and managing all aspects of product, operational and financial management across a digital platform. That experience, coupled with his time helping Raycom Sports navigate the mobile application, digital sponsorship integration and rights management landscape for the Atlantic Coast Conference, makes Smith a great fit for NASCAR and its new digital platform team.
“Adding a media veteran of Colin’s caliber will strengthen our digital team,” Jenkins said. “His perspective, leadership and experience will be invaluable as we strive to provide the best digital platform possible to our fans.”
Smith lives in Charlotte with his wife Kelly and two-year old son Skylar. Today was his first day with NASCAR Digital Media.
NASCAR Digital Media also announced that John Martin, who joined NASCAR Media Group in 2007 from Turner and has worked with NASCAR’s media division in some capacity since 2000, will lead the operations group of the NASCAR Digital Platform as managing director of digital operations. Martin will continue to report to Jenkins and will have oversight of the technology systems and development group.
Earlier this year NASCAR and Turner Sports announced that the sanctioning body will manage business and editorial operations for its digital platforms beginning in 2013. Under this new partnership, NASCAR will assume operational control in 2013 of all of its interactive, digital and social media rights including technical operations and infrastructure of all NASCAR digital platforms. Turner will continue to represent sponsorships and advertising for all NASCAR digital platforms through 2016, with the unique users from the NASCAR digital properties continuing to roll up to the Turner digital portfolio.
NASCAR PR
