Former Red Bull boss Horner lands job at private equity fund targeting sport
Former Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner has become an advisor to private equity firm Oakley Capital on premium sport investments.
The Brit left Red Bull last year after 20 years at the Formula 1 team and has been exploring a return to the sport through ownership.
He reportedly teamed up with MSP Sports Capital to explore taking a stake in Alpine with rival bidders including Mercedes.
But Horner has joined Oakley Capital, whose sports investments are spearheaded by the British Americas Cup entry Athena Racing. He has a long standing relationship with the firm’s founder Peter Dubens.
The size of the investment into Sir Ben Ainslie’s sailing team was not disclosed but Oakley Capital Investments, which invests in Oakley’s funds, reported that its share of the investment total was £13m. The investment came after the sailor ended a relationship with Mercedes Formula 1 co-owner, and British billionaire, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Elsewhere Oakley Capital invests in padel equipment maker Nox, golf apparel brand Vice Golf, digital fitness platform Gymondo and North Sails, who are expanding their sponsorship presence in sailing.
Horner back in sport
“Sports businesses are benefitting from growing global audiences and participation rates as more people embrace healthier, active lifestyles,” Horner said.
“I have known and respected Peter and the Oakley team for many years and have always admired their approach to building ambitious, founder-led businesses.
“Oakley Capital has established a strong reputation across the sports and consumer landscape and I look forward to working together in the future and sharing my experience to help support the next generation of standout sports businesses.”
Added Dubens: “Christian Horner is widely recognised as a highly successful leader in global sport. His track record, expertise and commercial instinct will be invaluable as we continue to scale our sports portfolio.”
Horner faced accusations of inappropriate behaviour against a female employee while at Red Bull Racing – where he oversaw eight World Drivers’ Championships and six World Constructors’ Championships – but an investigation cleared the former team principal, who is married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell.