Former UFC Executive Garry Cook Issues Statement
It wasn’t long before one of the most influential people at the
Ultimate Fighting Championship opened up to the world after
shockingly being laid off by new UFC owners WME/IMG on Tuesday.
Garry Cook, who served as the Chief Global Brand Officer since 2014, was released on Tuesday, the most prominent of the dozens of employees who lost their jobs in a worldwide mass layoff from WME/IMG. After a few hours to let the smoke clear and dust to settle, Cook, who UFC President Dana White often described as a “rock star,” released an official statement.
“This has been a magnificent experience with one of the greatest
sports enterprises of the modern day. I am thankful and proud to
have played a part in their brand story working with Lorenzo
Fertitta, Dana White, Lawrence Epstein and all the talented
individuals at the UFC,” his statement read. “With the new
leadership from WME/IMG the next era of continuing to redefine the
global sports landscape is very exciting. I wish them well
delivering on their vision for success.”
Reports swirled throughout the MMA world on Tuesday when it was revealed that roughly 80 people -- almost 15 percent of the company’s workforce -- lost their jobs. The layoffs reportedly occurred in various departments across the company including licensing, public relations and production, though there likely won’t be a reduction in the UFC’s event schedule.
Chief Content Officer Marshall Zelaznik, Executive Vice president, General Manager of Asia Ken Berger and Senior Vice President of Global Content Jamie Pollack have all lost their jobs.
In recent weeks, several prominent figures within the company have all resigned, including longtime matchmaker Joe Silva, UFC Brazil Vice President and General Manager Giovanni Decker and Vice President of Public Relations Dave Sholler.
Garry Cook, who served as the Chief Global Brand Officer since 2014, was released on Tuesday, the most prominent of the dozens of employees who lost their jobs in a worldwide mass layoff from WME/IMG. After a few hours to let the smoke clear and dust to settle, Cook, who UFC President Dana White often described as a “rock star,” released an official statement.
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Reports swirled throughout the MMA world on Tuesday when it was revealed that roughly 80 people -- almost 15 percent of the company’s workforce -- lost their jobs. The layoffs reportedly occurred in various departments across the company including licensing, public relations and production, though there likely won’t be a reduction in the UFC’s event schedule.
Chief Content Officer Marshall Zelaznik, Executive Vice president, General Manager of Asia Ken Berger and Senior Vice President of Global Content Jamie Pollack have all lost their jobs.
In recent weeks, several prominent figures within the company have all resigned, including longtime matchmaker Joe Silva, UFC Brazil Vice President and General Manager Giovanni Decker and Vice President of Public Relations Dave Sholler.
