George Pyne, President of IMG Sport and Entertainment, spoke to an auditorium full of students as the guest lecturer at the Thomas Regan Executive Sport Lecture, sponsored by the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management.

During his illustrious career Mr. Pyne worked at Portman Companies, where he helped develop a strategic plan for the company’s $2 billion dollar debt restructuring and he was also appointed the Executive Director of AMC Events. After leaving Portman Companies, Pyne joined NASCAR, where throughout his eleven-year tenure he helped NASCAR emerge as a dominant force in American sports. During his time at NASCAR, Pyne secured millions of dollars in television rights deals, investments from Fortune 500 companies, and the sponsorship of the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. He was the second non-family member in 57 years to join its Board of Directors.

Two years ago Mr. Pyne left his position as Chief Operating Officer of NASCAR to join IMG Sport and Entertainment. IMG has over 60 offices in 30 countries. IMG includes some of the world’s top clients and events in gold tennis, fashion, and entertainment, with consulting, licensing, and IMG Academies. As a member of the Board of Director’s Mr. Pyne has directed the expansion of the company’s entertainment division and has helped with the growth o f the company’s sports division in Asia.

During his lecture Mr. Pyne addressed principles and core values that he has followed throughout his career. One value he said was important was to never forget where you come from. He said to work hard and good things can happen, but to be nice. Mr. Pyne stressed the importance of having a plan and knowing where you are going. Everyone should take calculated risks on themselves and take chances, but be smart about it. He encouraged everyone to have passion for what they do and to realize that everyone fails; you just have to pick yourself up.

“Wherever you are in the food chain, you are only limited by what’s inside you,” said Mr. Pyne.