Mark created the sports management and marketing industry when he established International Management Group (IMG) in 1960 and helped to make his first client, Arnold Palmer, the most financially successful athlete in history. Under McCormack s leadership, IMG has evolved into the world s foremost resource for the promotional uses of sports and lifestyle activities, operating from 74 offices in 30 countries.
About: Mark McCormack
McCormack attended and graduated from the College of William and Mary and then earned his law degree from Yale University. As a golfer, he played number one on the William and Mary Team and qualified for the U.S. Open Championship and several U.S. and British Amateur Championships.
McCormack combined his keen business and legal skills with his passion for golf and went into the athlete representation business in 1960 on nothing more than a handshake with a young golfer named Arnold Palmer, whom he met as a college player. Soon after, McCormack signed an unknown South African named Gary Player and a newly turned professional named Jack Nicklaus.
The historic handshake between McCormack and Palmer built the foundation for the International Management Group (IMG). From there, McCormack opened up new opportunities for the professional and financial growth of his clients while promoting the prosperity of the sports in which they excelled.
On the intercollegiate level McCormack provided the first women s tennis scholarships at his alma mater, William & Mary, enhancing the team s competitiveness in NCAA Division I play.
Graduate of the College of William & Mary; Yale Law School
Played No.1 on William & Mary s Golf Team; Qualified for U.S. and British Amateur, and U.S. Open Golf Championships
Pioneered sports marketing industry
Founder and CEO of International Management Group, the world s largest athlete representation and sports marketing firm
Author of What They Don t Teach You at Harvard Business School, The Terrible Truth About Lawyers, Success Secrets, The 110% Solution and Hit the Ground Running
Named 'The Most Powerful Man in Tennis' by Tennis Magazine; 'The Most Powerful Man in Golf' by Golf Digest; and 'The Most Powerful Man in Sports' by Sports Illustrated
Named by the London Times in 1991 as one of the 1,000 people who have most influenced the 20th Century
Named to Sports Illustrated ' 40 for the Ages' Honor Roll 1994
Established the McCormack Foundation contributing to charitable causes
Chairman of William & Mary s $150 million Campaign for the Fourth Century 1986-1993
Named Commander of the Royal Order of the Polar Star by the King of Sweden for achievements on behalf of the Nobel
