MUMBAI: Sports marketing agency Total Sports Asia has announced the appointment of former AEG Sports president Shawn Hunter as the non-executive chairman of the board of directors.

Hunter helped start the Tour of California, which has become one of the top non-Grand Tour cycling races in the world. It drew 1.3 million spectators in its first year in 2006 and 1.6 million its second year. Hunter then worked for nearly four years as Chivas USA president and CEO of Major League Soccer. Last year Hunter was appointed co-chair of Colorado?s Quiznos Pro Challenge cycling race.

He said, "I?m very excited about joining the Board of TSA. I have great belief in the TSA business proposition and operating model. Marcus Luer and the TSA team have a strong vision for the business going forward and I am delighted that I will be able to use my experience to assist in this development."

TSA MD Marcus Luer said, "I am extremely pleased to have Shawn join the TSA team. Shawn?s experience will be of great value as we work to fulfill our long-term strategic vision and his direct experience in the US and global sports business will be invaluable as we position TSA for meaningful growth."

TSA?s Private Equity partner Nectar Capital managing partner Scott Rudmann said, "We delighted that our partners at TSA have succeeded with the appointment of Shawn Hunter as non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. Shawn brings with him a history of achievement and success in the sports marketing and promotion business. Shawn will be able to assist TSA in their continuing growth and exploration of new sports and markets".