Sophie Goldschmidt is the new CEO of the World Surf League (WSL).
The British executive will lead the pro surfing circuit from August 1, 2017. Goldschmidt has a long career in the sports industry.
She started working in 1999 as sports marketing manager for Adidas. In 2003, she was named vice-president for the Women's Tennis Association (WTA).
Between 2007 and 2011, Sophie Goldschmidt was vice-president and managing director of the National Basketball Association (NBA), as well as chief commercial and marketing officer for the Rugby Football Union from 2011 through 2016.
Since 2015, the executive served as group managing director for CSM Sport and Entertainment.
"It is an honor to lead the WSL. The League has experienced tremendous growth in recent years and has pioneered incredible innovations to transform surfing into a remarkable, digital-first and world-class sport that naturally also transcends into the lifestyle sector so well," noted Goldschmidt.
"Having worked at a number of sports organizations, I can unequivocally say that the WSL offers a one-of-a-kind product and culture that I am privileged to now be a part of."
The new WSL CEO plans to evolve pro surfing by incorporating the opportunities opened by the Kelly Slater Wave Company and to lead the sport's debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Sophie Goldschmidt replaces interim CEO, Dirk Ziff.