DAZN names Shay Segev as sole CEO

The OTT entertainment platform has restructured its leadership team.

UK.- The OTT entertainment brand DAZN has restructured its leadership team, naming Shay Segev as sole CEO.

Segev joined DAZN as joint CEO a year ago after serving as CEO of the UK gaming giant Entain for six months. He initially shared the CEO role with DAZN co-founder James Rushton.

Segev will now be the sole CEO, although Rushton will remain responsible for overseeing growth in local markets, rights and content distribution.

Meanwhile, Darren Waterman has been named Group CFO, replacing Stuart J. Epstein. He joins DAZN from Amazon, where he was finance director at Prime Video. During his tenure, he oversaw the expansion of Prime Video’s geographic reach, and its video streaming, product innovation and investment in sports, TV and film content.

Kevin Mayer, DAZN group chairman, said: “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 offering of live sports streaming.

“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 on-going 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.”

Last year, DAZN won the domestic rights for LaLiga in Spain and was named Apple TV App of the Year.

Last week, the company was reported to have made an £850m offer for BT Sport as it aims to forge a strong UK presence through gaining Premier League media rights holder and exclusive UEFA Champions League broadcasts.

DAZN aims to expand its business globally and enhance its customer offering by entering new verticals beyond its sports streaming service. It’s predicted that DAZN may aim for a London IPO if it has a strong 2022.

See also: Entain sells Betdaq back to former owner Dermot Desmond