The inside story of one of the greatest business turnarounds of all time: how the Olympic Games stepped back from the brink of bankruptcy to become the world’s best known brand – and a multi billion dollar global franchise.
First published in 2005 by London Business Press. Now in 15 languages, with nearly 1 million copies sold.
“Authoritative and compelling”
Financial Times
“If Juan Antonio Samaranch was ‘M’, Michael Payne was ‘Q’ in the cloak and dagger world behind the biggest sports
event in the world – the Olympics. With more twists and turns than a spy novel, Payne’s masterly telling of the games behind the Games is a page turner for anyone who has thrilled to Olympic competition.”
David Hill, Chairman, Fox
“No one is better qualified than Michael Payne to reveal the intricate details behind the Olympic renaissance. Olympic Turnaround is more than a compelling story of
deal brokering at the highest levels; it’s a lesson in creative problem solving and brand building that will appeal to sports fans and business leaders in equal measure.”
Peter Ueberroth, former commissioner MLB, President /
CEO LA 84
“Chock-full of backstage Olympic lore, this is the book to read if you’d like a business angle on the decisions of the
International Olympic Committee….[a] unique perspective on the most famous recurring spectacle in the world.”
Harvard Business School’s Working Knowledge
“Olympic Turnaround is pure Olympic Gold. Michael
Payne’s [account] gives a thrilling insight into the strategic, leadership, branding and marketing triumphs of the Olympic Movement over the last 25 years.”
Sir Steve Redgrave, Olympic Gold Medalist
“No one knows the Olympic brand better than
Michael Payne”
Lord Sebastian Coe, Olympic Gold Medalist
“Packed with previously untold stories and case studies, it is a unique business story, but one with universal applications. The lessons – and mistakes – are here for all to learn from. It is also a fascinating historic account,
written by someone who was there.”
Sir Martin Sorrell
“Michael Payne is the unparalleled authority on the history of the modern Olympic Games and Olympic Turnaround is
the ultimate comeback story, a manual for anyone
interested in the business of sports and the sport of
business.”
Michael Ovitz, talent agent