Devon Names New Chief Marketing Officer

The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair has named Christopher P. Wightman to the position of Chief Marketing Officer. In this newly-created role, Wightman will oversee all corporate and private sponsorship functions and work across the organization to integrate the growing marketing initiatives of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.

"The addition of Chris, with his talents and experience, will help our organization in identifying and attracting new national and global sponsorship partners," said Sarah Coxe Lange, President and CEO of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.
"We believe our world class competition, with its rich history and highly engaged, affluent audience, presents an appealing market to our sponsors."

With 25 years of media and marketing expertise, Wightman brings the organization a diverse and sophisticated background in publishing, broadcast, digital media, sponsorship, marketing and communications. Among many accomplishments during his career, Wightman served as Publisher of Time Inc.'s GOLF Magazine/golf.com, one of the largest media companies serving the golf category. 

As Publisher of GOLF, Wightman provided business leadership, worked with Fortune 500 brands and directed a 40-person advertising sales and marketing staff that generated record results in annual revenue. Wightman also gained important experience while working for one of sports largest nonprofit organizations, the United States Golf Association, where he led the communications effort. Additionally, Wightman ran the sales effort for legendary media publisher, Golf Digest, where he served as Vice President, National Sales Director.

"My marketing and sales experience in supporting many premier brands, gives me an important level of confidence as I join one of the most prominent events in the equestrian world," said Wightman.
"To be part of the team that is driving the evolution of this historical organization and to build out dynamic new paths to its future growth provides an inspirational challenge."

Wightman's track record of success across several media platforms provides a set of invaluable experiences that will benefit the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair. He learned the broadcast trade during his stint with top cable network MTV, and focused heavily on the business markets at Chief Executive Magazine and MONY Financial Services. He served as Associate Publisher for Smithsonian Media and began his career as a sports reporter, writing for newspapers in Pennsylvania.

Wightman graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Journalism, receiving the Lawrence G. Foster Journalism Scholarship.