Perform Group, the global sports media company based in the UK, announced Tuesday the appointment of John Skipper as Executive Chairman. Skipper previously served as President of ESPN Inc., where he worked for 20 years across all areas of the business.
Skipper will be based out of Perform's New York headquarters, overseeing 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. The announcement reflects Perform Group’s strategy for global expansion across all divisions, specifically in the U.S.
“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 John Skipper, Executive Chairman Perform Group. “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 Simon Denyer, CEO Perform Group. “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.”
Disclaimer: Sporting News is one of the digital media brands operated by Perform Media, a division of Perform Group.
