TEAMORIGIN, the British challenger for the America’s Cup headed by Air Miles founder Sir Keith Mills, has appointed Jon Teeman as Partner Development Director. In this role Teeman, the former Head of Partnership Marketing at Arsenal FC, will be responsible for securing commercial partners.

Teeman, 53, is a marketing and communications expert who has launched some of Britain’s most successful businesses and high-profile building projects. As a sponsorship consultant he has overseen the launch of O2 and brokered their subsequent deals with England Rugby and Arsenal FC. Teeman is currently a non-executive Chairman at Pitch, the UK’s leading sports and communications consultancy, and will be continuing in this role alongside his work with TEAMORIGIN in its preparation for the 34th America’s Cup.

TEAMORIGIN, skippered by triple Olympic Gold medallist Ben Ainslie, has recently announced an innovative new environmental partnership with the Carbon Trust – the world leading expert in carbon reduction. It aims to use the power of sport to send an important message to businesses and consumers about the need to reduce carbon emissions. This environmental partnership, entitled Race for Change, will see up to four commercial partners join TEAMORIGIN in a programme designed to inspire action around climate change.

Teeman commented: “I am thrilled to be a part of such an innovative team that aims to create sporting history, whilst sending an important message to the world. We hope to attract commercial partners that see this as an opportunity to benefit from the high profile and emotive pull of a global sports story, which provides a communications platform to showcase their products, services and commitment to climate change.”

Sir Keith Mills, TEAMORIGIN Team Principal, added: “Jon’s appointment as Partner Development Director at TEAMORIGIN is a huge boost for our project and adds to the capabilities of Partner Development Manager Jerry Hill, who has been working with the team since February 2007.