NEW YORK: Perform Group, the global sports media company based in the UK, announced Monday the appointment of former ESPN president John Skipper as executive chairman.
Skipper, who worked for 20 years at Disney’s global cable and satellite sports network across all areas of the business, resigned suddenly as president of ESPN and co-chairman of Disney Media Networks in December, citing substance-addiction issues.
Skipper, based in New York, will oversee all of Perform Group’s operations and strategy and report to the board. Simon Denyer, Perform Group’s founder, will continue as CEO based in London.
Monday’s announcement reflects Perform Group’s strategy for global expansion across all divisions, the company declared.
“Simon and his team have built an enormously impressive company, providing an excellent base to establish a global leadership position in the over-the-top sports subscription business, the clear future of sports delivery,” said Skipper. “Perform Group’s platform and expertise, coupled with its success in launching subscription services in Germany, Japan and Canada provides a model we intend to replicate around the world.”
“Perform is rapidly expanding its role in sports media with significant investments in the best content and our own platform. We are now preparing to push forward with the expansion of DAZN, our live and on-demand streaming service, in more major markets around the world,” said Denyer. “DAZN is revolutionizing how fans watch their favorite sports. John is one of the most significant leaders in the history of our industry, and I am delighted that he has agreed to join me and the team to help take Perform to the next level of our ambitions.”
“Since our initial investment ten years ago, Perform has become one of the most important brands in the sports media industry and a key holding in the Access portfolio,” said Len Blavatnik, chairman Access Industries and Perform Group’s majority shareholder. “John’s addition to the team and board will help the company continue its impressive progress.”
Access Industries is a privately held industrial group with long-term holdings worldwide founded by Blavatnik in 1986. Access Industries’ investments in the media and entertainment sector include Warner Music Group, Deezer, AI Film, and Perform Group.
