CHARLOTTE, NC: NASCAR has promoted integrated marketing communications VP David Higdon to replace Brett Jewkes as its communications leader.
Jewkes stepped down from his role at NASCAR in November to join AMB Group, the parent company of the Atlanta Falcons, as SVP and CCO. He had worked at NASCAR since April 2011 and stepped into his most recent role there in October 2014.
Higdon was promoted in December. He will relocate from Daytona Beach, Florida, to Charlotte, North Carolina, this year. Higdon previously reported to Jewkes, who held the title of SVP and CCO, but now reports to Steve Phelps, NASCAR EVP and CMO.
Higdon is tasked with developing and implementing NASCAR’s marketing and comms strategy and managing the company’s relationships with the racing industry, including teams, tracks, and partners, from a comms perspective. He is also serving as the primary spokesperson for the organization, a source close to the matter told PRWeek.
Higdon declined to comment on his new role.
NASCAR also promoted Kurt Culbert to MD of racing communications from senior director. Some of Higdon’s previous responsibilities, such as racing and crisis comms, will be split between Culbert and Jon Schwartz, MD of integrated marketing communications. Culbert and Schwartz report to Higdon.
Before joining NASCAR in June 2011, Higdon was CCO of the LPGA, directing comms and public affairs, stakeholder relations, media relations, as well as TV, digital, and social media content, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Earlier in his career, Higdon was EVP of strategic development and communications for the Champ Car World Series and SVP of communications for the Association of Tennis Professionals. He started his career as a reporter for The Indianapolis Star and held senior editorial roles at publications including American Health and Tennis Magazine.
