America's Cup: ACP confirms Marzio Perrelli as Chief Executive Officer

Marzio Perrelli - CEO of the America's Cup Partnership - April 2026 © Carlo Borlenghi

As reported in Sail-World and some Italian media in mid-February, the America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) has now confirmed that Marzio Perrelli, a former Sky Italy Executive Vice President, has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the ACP.

The official media release says Perrelli will "further the event under the new partnership structure, introducing enhanced governance with a long-term vision. Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand, the Defender of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup in Naples, will remain in place as the Chairman of ACP."

The statement continues: Marzio Perrelli’s career has combined financial discipline, media strategy and large-scale sports rights management. He joins after working across finance in the UK, USA and Italy, where he held senior leadership roles at both Goldman Sachs and HSBC.

He entered the media and sports industry in 2018, joining Sky Italy as Executive Vice President, with responsibility for the entire SKY Sports division, encompassing both editorial and production teams as well as managing and spearheading developments in the sports rights portfolio.

Joining the America’s Cup Partnership as CEO, is a role that Marzio Perrelli is relishing saying: “The America’s Cup is the oldest and most prestigious competition in international sport. Our responsibility today, on behalf of all stakeholders, is to preserve its deep heritage while ensuring greater continuity, stability and long-term growth. The America’s Cup Partnership represents an evolution in how the event is managed, providing a more consistent framework for teams, partners and host venues, while fully respecting the sporting tradition that defines the Cup. By strengthening governance and long-term planning, we aim to create the conditions for sustained investment, continued innovation at the pinnacle of the sport and broader global engagement. I am honoured to take on this role and look forward to working with all stakeholders to support the future of the America’s Cup’s development.”

Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand and Chairman of ACP welcomed Marzio saying: “On behalf of the ACP Board, it’s an appropriate time to be welcoming Marzio Perrelli as its first Chief Executive Officer. It is a unique position in sport at a time of huge opportunity with at least five strong teams confirmed for Naples in 2027 and a changing sporting landscape that sees women onboard the America’s Cup yachts for the first time as well as thriving pathways for women and youth sailors coming through to the apex of sailing. The formation of the ACP offers surety and continuity over future regattas and initiatives like the Guest Racer spot onboard the AC75s, and the continuing recon programme offer multi-media opportunities that are undeniable for the growth of the America’s Cup. Signing TV rights with the likes of Italian broadcaster, Rai, will further amplify initiatives already in place. Marzio joins at the perfect time with all the credentials to take the event and the sport forward. We wish him well in his new position.”

Marzio Perrelli will take office as the Chief Executive Officer of the America’s Cup Partnership on 7th April 2026 ahead of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta in Sardinia from the 21-24 May 2026.