Volleyball World is pleased to announce the appointment of internationally renowned sports marketing expert Michael Payne as its new independent Chair.
Michael Payne brings over four decades of experience in the global sports industry. As the International Olympic Committee’s first-ever Marketing and Global Broadcast Rights Director, he pioneered the groundbreaking Olympic Partner (TOP) global sponsorship programme and played a central role in the Olympic Movement’s commercial transformation.
Following his tenure at the IOC, Payne founded Payne Sports Media Strategies, advising many of the world’s leading sports organizations—including F1, the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), and CVC Capital Partners—most notably as an advisor during CVC’s investment in Volleyball World.
Fernando Lima, who has served as the founding Chair of Volleyball World since its creation in 2021, will retain his position on the Board of Volleyball World and continue contributing to the sport by leading new projects within the volleyball family.
As Payne steps into the Chair role, Lima will continue to serve on the Board and act as an advisor during the transition period. He is also set to assume a new leadership position within FIVB, heading an exciting initiative to be announced in the coming months.
Over the past four years under Lima’s Chairmanship, the organization has embraced a fan-centric vision, driving significant growth across live events, digital platforms and commercial rights. Lima was also instrumental in redefining how volleyball is presented—blending elite competition with immersive fan engagement to create a compelling new experience that resonates with audiences across all continents.
Outgoing Chair Fernando Lima said:
“This is an exciting and promising moment for volleyball. I’m extremely proud of the period I served as Chair of the Board of Directors, and I’m confident that with Michael now at the helm, we’ll accelerate our growth even further. Having been part of the FIVB for many years, I look forward to continuing my contribution to the sport—connecting technology, data, and fan interests to help elevate volleyball to new heights.”
Incoming Chair Michael Payne said:
“Over the past four years, the Volleyball World team has made great progress in taking volleyball to the next level as a global entertainment product. I have followed this process closely and look forward to working with the team to support volleyball on the next stage of its global growth. It is particularly exciting to join ahead of a thrilling summer of volleyball, with both the Volleyball Nations League and World Championships set to show the very best of the sport on the world stage.”
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