Sports streaming global leader DAZN Group has implemented leadership changes and a new Group structure as it seeks further growth and product diversification, including betting, gaming and ecommerce.
Former Entain CEO, Shay Segev, who joined DAZN in June last year, becomes sole CEO of DAZN Group. In his time with Entain, Shay oversaw the acquisitions of bwin.party and Ladbrokes Coral and the establishment of BetMGM. With DAZN planning to expand its customer offer to include interactive and engaging content for fans to enjoy alongside its sports streaming service, Shay’s experience and leadership will prove invaluable.
DAZN co-Founder, James Rushton, will continue with his existing responsibilities overseeing growth in local markets, rights and content. A 25-year veteran of the sports industry, James spent the majority of his career at Perform Group where he led many significant innovations, market expansion and revenue growth, including the launch of DAZN in 2016.
Additionally, Darren Waterman joins as Group CFO, based in London. Darren joins with tremendous experience from Amazon where he led the finance team responsible for Prime Video internationally. After almost four years as CFO, Stuart Epstein will continue in the role of Senior Advisor and member of the DAZN Board, enabling a smooth and effective transition of his current roles and responsibilities during the first half of 2022.
Kevin Mayer, DAZN Group Chairman, said, “DAZN has become the global leader in sports streaming in just five years and it is time to take this business to the next level. Shay’s technology background and outstanding history of delivering a strong performance culture will be hugely beneficial as DAZN introduces additional interactive fan engagement services such as betting and e-commerce for users to enjoy alongside our core live sports streaming offer. James’ expertise in sports rights and deep understanding of the markets will ensure that DAZN continues to nurture and grow its core business. We thank Stuart for his many valuable contributions and look forward to his ongoing involvement in this new capacity and we are delighted to be onboarding such strong talent as Darren Waterman. Being able to attract such high calibre individuals is a testament to the strength of our business and our future.”
With the company thought to be close to finalising the $800m (£582.2m) acquisition of BT Sport, 2022 already looks like getting off to a flying start for DAZN.
