World Surf League announces Chief Executive change

The World Surf League has advised that Chief Executive Sophie Goldschmidt is leaving her position, to be succeeded by Erik Logan, WSL’s President of Content, Media and Studios.

Goldschmidt, a former executive with several sports industry organisations including CSM Sport and Entertainment, the National Basketball Association, England’s Rugby Football Union and the Women’s Tennis Association, has led the pro surfing body for two and a half years.

Since taking the role in 2017, she has implemented series of reforms for WSL, including the equalisation of prize money for men’s and women’s surfing events, concluding a decade-long labor agreement with surfers, achieved a sharp rise in the organisation’s visibility, particularly through digital and social media, and most recently, an increased effort around ocean sustainability.

With Logan (pictured) becoming the third person to have WSL’s permanent Chief Executive role since early 2017, the shift comes as WSL is looking to become a “world-class live events, experiences, and media company.”

Commenting on the change, Goldschmidt who will remain on the WSL’s advisory board, advised "with the WSL now ready to become a more focused content and media company, the board and I have mutually agreed it is the right time to make a change.

"Having worked closely with Erik, he is the right person to lead the WLS into its next era.”

Logan has a background in media and content development as the former President of the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) and Vice President of Harpo Studios, the Winfrey-founded multimedia production company. He joined WSL early last year.

Logan designed the upcoming 'The Ultimate Surfer' reality show, which will be broadcast in the USA during in the middle 2020, as well as '24/7: Kelly Slater' on HBO.

He explains "surfing is powerful. As someone who came to it later in life, I understand the impact it can have on individuals, communities, and the world at large.

"To be able to lead world-class professionals at the WSL and combine my professional and personal passions is a dream come true."

Acknowledging Goldschmidt's achievements, Dirk Ziff, WSL owner and board member, stated “Sophie has had a huge impact on the WSL.

“She is responsible for transforming both our business capabilities and culture in her tenure as CEO. With the converging trends in sports, media, and entertainment, we mutually agreed it was time to make a change. Erik Logan is a proven leader and a world-class media executive with a profound personal connection to the sport of surfing.”

Goldschmidt relocated to Santa Monica, California, USA from London upon taking the WSL role after she left her role as Group Managing Director at CSM. She joined the London-based sports marketing agency following four and a half years as Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at the RFU.