2024 Speakers

Giovanni AQUILANTI

Sales Agent

With more than 15 years of international experience in Marketing, Sales and Procurement at Procter & Gamble and Philip Morris International, across Consumer Goods, Sports and Technology, Giovanni Aquilanti is now fully dedicated to the sports industry, with multiple engagements which started in Motorsport and brought him to SPORTEL Sales and Business Development. A fast learner, Giovanni is eager to engage in innovative action plans as well as connecting people and organisations with a view to promoting meaningful and high value added commercial interactions.

• Sponsorship as a New Revenue Generator

Aviv ARNON

Co-Founder & CBDO

Aviv Arnon, Co-Founder and CBDO at WSC Sports, has been instrumental in driving the company’s business strategy and overseeing all aspects of business development, partnerships, account management, and growth over the past decade. Under his leadership, WSC Sports has established deep relationships with over 300+ of the leading global sports rights holders. Aviv’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, combined with his love for sports and technology, have been key factors in WSC Sports’ rise as the world’s leading AI sports video technology company.

• Reimagining Broadcast Storytelling with AI

Keith BEDFORD

General Manager, EMEA

Keith Bedford is General Manager, EMEA at Wurl, a leader in the Connected TV industry. In his role, Keith oversees Wurl’s operations and key partnerships in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, working closely with his team to drive growth for the region’s publishers and streamers. Keith brings more than 20 years of broadcast experience to Wurl, having built and led teams to design, create, and deliver technology to numerous clients in his previous roles. Prior to Wurl, he founded The Media Tree, a broadcast consultancy business. Before that, Keith was the Managing Director of EBS, which worked with many major players in the broadcast industry - including ITV, BBC Studios, Discovery, CBS, and Time Warner - and eventually became PA TV Metadata following an acquisition by PA Media.

• How FAST is Shaping the Future of Sports Streaming

George BEVIR

Editorial Director

George Bevir is editorial director at SVG Europe, where he is responsible for leading the SVG Europe editorial team across the organisation’s physical and digital events, website and newsletters. Bevir joined SVG Europe from Broadcast magazine where he was facilities and technology editor and launched Broadcast Tech magazine. Prior to this, he wrote about the media and telecoms sectors in the Middle East. Before moving into journalism, Bevir worked for the BBC and Red Bee Media.

• Generative AI & Sports Production & Storytelling

David CANDLER

Senior Director, Customer Solutions

David Candler is Senior Director, Customer Solutions at Veritone, a leader in building human-centered AI solutions. David has worked in the media and entertainment industry for over 25 years and has a track record of successfully developing and implementing cloud-based, AI-powered workflow solutions that enable organizations to innovate and accelerate their media utilization and processes.

• Generative AI & Fandom: How Can It Change the Fan/Sport Relationship?

Franck CHOQUARD

EBU Sport Content and Platforms Expert & Director of Actua Sports

Franck has a vast amount of experience in leading complex media production and technology operations. He oversees the hostbroadcasting delivered by the EBU but also the development of innovative "Digital Content Hub & Media Services" platforms.
In 2009, Franck launched and developed, EPC, the EBU Sport production subsidiary, delivering HB operations for World / European Championships in Alpine Skiing, Aquatics, Athletics, Biathlon, or Cycling but also developing effective solutions supporting new events such as the 2018 ECHs in Berlin and Glasgow or the 2023 UCI Cycling WCHs in Glasgow.
Earlier this year, Franck has been offered the opportunity to lead Actua Sport, a new partnership between EBU and Pointprod - Actua to maintain "cost effective" production capacities within the EBU but also developing innovative platforms supporting the digital transformation of the Sport Broadcasting industry. 2024 European Athletics Championships in Rome being the first event benefiting of this new solution.

• How EBU Sport Wows Fans with Creative & Innovatively Produced Live Content

Carlo DE MARCHIS

Founder

A futurist and advisor with over 35 years in sports and media tech, known as "a guy with a scarf." A C-suite leader skilled in strategy, product innovation, OTT, digital, D2C marketing, AI/ML, and Web3/Metaverse. An evangelist, public speaker, and #IamRemarkable facilitator passionate about challenging the status quo. He's led multi-million dollar contracts and impressive company growth as a natural innovator. Known for creating digital experiences for global audiences while attending top worldwide sports events. His vision and ideas drive the future of sports media technology.

• Generative AI & the Business of Sport

Nevio DEVIDE

Chief Revenue Officer

Nevio DEVIDE’, Chief Revenue Officer of the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 - Organising Committee XXV Olympic and XIV Paralympic Winter Games, has gained his professional experience both in the sport business and the data management technologies segments.

Former Marketing Director of the XX Olympic and IX Paralympics Winter Games in Turin and former International Sales Director for the Media Partners Group (currently Infront), he has also participated and managed companies evaluating media rights and activating global Olympic & Paralympic sponsorships as well as supported bidding for the Expo.

European Executive MBA at the ESCP Business School, he has been for several years CEO and CFO for the SIO SpA Group (Forensic Intelligence & Data Analysis Solutions).

Milano Cortina 2026 represents his eighth experience in the Olympic and Paralympic Games, following Athens, Turin, Beijing, Vancouver, London, Sochi and Paris.

As an athlete, Nevio has been a professional tennis player.

• Sponsorship as a New Revenue Generator

J. Michael EVANS

President & Director, Alibaba Group

J. Michael Evans has been President of Alibaba Group since August 2015 and Director since September 2014. In May 2023 he was appointed Chairman of the Alibaba International Digital Commerce business. Prior to joining Alibaba Group, Michael spent over thirty years in global finance. He served as Vice Chairman of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. from February 2008 until his retirement in December 2013. Michael also served as chairman of Asia operations at Goldman Sachs from 2004 to 2013 and was the global head of Growth Markets at Goldman Sachs from January 2011 to December 2013.
In 1984, he won an Olympic gold medal for his home country Canada as a member of the men's eights rowing team in the Los Angeles Summer Olympics.

• Paris 2024: An Olympic Broadcast & Viewership Success

Yiannis EXARCHOS

CEO

After serving as a senior executive for all Olympic host broadcasting organisations since Athens 2004, Yiannis Exarchos was named CEO of OBS, the permanent host broadcaster for all Olympic and Youth Olympic Games, in 2012.
In 2015, he became Executive Director of OCS, the hub for content creation, technology, digital development, and data analysis for Olympics.com and the broader Olympic digital ecosystem; He also serves on the OCS SL Board of Directors.
With a rich background in radio, TV, music, and film, he has expertly managed global sports event planning and broadcasting. His extensive media experience has earned him 11 Emmys, 8 Webbys and 36 Telly Awards, among others.
Previously, he produced and presented cultural and art programmes on Greek TV and Radio, holding various high-level executive roles in different broadcast organisations, including Executive Director at the Greek national broadcaster.

• Paris 2024: An Olympic Broadcast & Viewership Success

James FREWIN

Managing Director, International

James Frewin is the Managing Director, International at PFL, where he oversees international media rights, strategy, and the expansion of PFL’s International Leagues. He was instrumental in launching the organization’s first international league, PFL Europe, which has experienced rapid growth across all territories. Frewin has also played a key role in building PFL’s international media rights business and shaping its global expansion strategy. Prior to this, Frewin served as Vice President and General Manager for WWE in Australia and New Zealand. He brings over 10 years of experience in sports and entertainment, with expertise in broadcast, distribution, digital, live events, and global sponsorship. Before his tenure at WWE, James led the international football division at IMG Media.

• Building a Global MMA Powerhouse: The Champions League of MMA

Olga FRITZLER

CFO of Blockchain Sports Ecosystem

Olga is an expert in blockchain technology and corporate finance. She holds qualifications from Oxford University in Blockchain Technology and Hamburg University in Project Management. Olga has extensive experience in blockchain advisory and finance consulting, including roles at Robert Bosch. She has also managed key accounts in the Med-Tech sector at Philips. Her diverse background equips her with a strong strategic and financial acumen, making her a leader in her field.

• Reality show "The Big Game"

Richard GILLIS

Owner

Unofficial Partner is the leading podcast for the business of sport, with listeners from across the upper reaches of the global industry.
Richard’s career mixes award winning journalism with a career as a strategic adviser to sports governing bodies, sponsors and agencies.
He was listed number 5 in the sport category of PR Week’s Powerbook list of industry influencers. As Cake’s Managing Partner he ran a specialist sport and entertainment consulting group within Havas, the sixth largest marketing group in the world. Before joining Cake, Richard was a strategic advisor to Lloyds Bank on its London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Partnership.
He was editor of SportBusiness International and is a regular contributor to sports industry debate across national and international media, including the FT, WSJ, The Observer and The Irish Times. His book on leadership, The Captain Myth was The Guardian’s sports book of the year.

• The Bundle Live @SPORTEL Monaco

Nic GOARD

Head of Sport & Content Partnerships

Nic is the Head of Sport and Content Partnerships for Fox Sports Australia, part of the Foxtel Group, Australia’s leading sports media company.

With Foxtel Group holding the largest portfolio of sports media partnerships in Australia, Nic serves as the primary contact for various international and domestic rights holders and agencies along with managing content, channel, international distribution and commercial partnerships across Fox Sports, Kayo and Foxtel.

A seasoned sports industry leader with over 15 years of experience, Nic has also worked previously at beIN Sports Asia Pacific along with brand sponsorship agencies in Australia.

• SPORT(EL) Spotlight: What Next for Cricket as it Continues its Growth Journey?

Craig HEITING

Head of Corporate Strategy

Craig Heiting is Head of Corporate Strategy at Wurl, a leader in the Connected TV industry. In his role, Craig is responsible for leading Wurl’s global efforts in creating and driving growth for the world’s top content publishers and streamers. With over 30 years of experience in the entertainment space, Craig brings enormous expertise to Wurl, including overseeing marketing, programming, and sales for major media companies. Prior to joining Wurl, he was a Business Development Executive specializing in established media companies like Time Warner Cable, Amdocs, Deluxe, Ericsson, and Vubiquity.

• How FAST is Shaping the Future of Sports Streaming

Claire KELLY

Managing Director, Gemba Europe & Middle East

Claire Kelly has forged a career in working at the cutting edge of consumer strategy, insight and analytics. As the Managing Director of Gemba’s European & Middle East business, Claire leads a team which is passionate about bringing a deeper understanding of sports fan attitudes and behaviours to clients such as the ICC, Arsenal, LIV Golf and Decathlon. Claire has previously led Insight teams operating both client side and consultancy side in the Retail sector, before making the move into Sports and Entertainment 7 years ago, where prior to working at Gemba, Claire was Chief Operating Officer at Sports Intelligence Agency Twenty First Group.

• The Bundle Live @SPORTEL Monaco

Ken KERSCHBAUMER

Editorial Director

Ken Kerschbaumer is co-executive director of editorial services for the Sports Video Group and SVG Europe. He has been writing about how sports networks and leagues use video and audio technology to deliver a quality TV experience since 1991. In 2000, he joined Broadcasting & Cable magazine as senior editor of technology where he covered technology for the broadcast industry. He helped launch SVG and SVG Europe in 2006 and today the company holds events for sports production professionals around the world.

• Understanding the Current Generative AI Landscape
• Generative AI & Fandom: How Can It Change the Fan/Sport Relationship?

Glen KILLANE

Executive Director

Glen Killane joined the EBU in August 2018 as Deputy Director of Eurovision Sport, stepping up to the role of Executive Director of EBU Sport in June 2020. He is a member of the EBU Senior Leadership Committee (SLC).
Glen began his career as a sports journalist working in editorial positions for RTE and for ITV in London where he was editor of live football. He was Group Head of Sport for RTE from 2004 until 2010 and was elected as Vice Chair of the EBU Sport Committee.
Before joining the EBU, Glen became Managing Director of Eir Sport and Eir TV, owned by Irish Telco Eir, where he led the launch of their OTT pay sports business and ran the company’s IPTV platform. He was Managing Director of RTE Television from 2010 until 2016.
Since taking over leadership of EBU Sport, Glen has overseen the successful Olympic Rights acquisition (2026 -2032) along with several other significant rights acquisitions, the launch of the Eurovision Sport Platform and a restructuring of the department.
Glen is a voluntary member of the Sport Ireland, Women in Sport Advisory Committee. Women’s Sports have been a particular focus for the acquisitions team along with pushing new technological advances such as the use of AI commentary on the Eurovision Sport Platform.

• The Bundle Live @SPORTEL Monaco

Marco MATERAZZI

Official Ambassador of Blockchain Sports

The official ambassador of Blockchain Sports, mentor of the reality show "O Grande Jogo", which helps Brazilian children fulfill their football dreams. World champion and Five-time Italian Champion, Champions League Winner 2009/2010.

• Reality show "The Big Game"

Callum MCCARTHY

Editor in Chief

Callum McCarthy is the Editor in Chief of SportBusiness, the world’s most trusted source of global sports media rights intelligence. Callum leads a team of journalists and analysts dedicated to providing market-leading insight on deals, developments and trends from around the world of sports broadcasting. Over the past 25 years, SportBusiness Media has collected commercially sensitive information on over 21,000 media rights deals - a total that continues to grow.

• Behind the Lens: Creating a Successful Sports Docuseries

Gaurav MEHTA

Co-Founder

Educated as a mechanical engineer, and ex-race car driver with Volkswagen Motorsport, Gaurav co-founded Quidich in 2015. He deeply believes in the power that sport as a medium possesses to unite people across boundaries. Today, Quidich empowers various federations, leagues, rights holders and broadcasters across sports, with advanced technology solutions that visually enhance fans' viewing experiences, thereby elevating live broadcasts globally.

• SPORT(EL) Spotlight: What Next for Cricket as it Continues its Growth Journey?

Joanna MERCHIE

Conference Director

Joanna has been at the heart of the event management organization Monaco Mediax for over 20 years and has headed SPORTEL’s conference programming since 2017, including SPORTEL Monaco, the SPORTEL Rendez-vous series in Miami and Bali, and SPORTEL Summit.
Within the organization Joanna also leads the Business Content conference for the Monte-Carlo Television Festival.
Key management and conference roles in previous Monaco Mediax B2B events include WIMA NFC Monaco/USA and IMAGINA 3D among others.

• The Pitch: Using AI or Innovative Technology to Revolutionise Sports Content

Ladislav NAVRATIL

Co-Founder

Ladislav Navrátil is the Co-founder and CEO of Tivio Studio, with over a decade of experience in the video industry. Tivio Studio provides streaming solutions globally, offering innovative tools like multi-camera views and interactive features to enhance content monetization and user engagement. The studio also expands distribution through FAST Channels and advanced Ads Management systems, maximizing revenue and ensuring seamless integration with third-party platforms.

• First Live Referee Camera in MMA

Alex PAUGAM

Director of Business Development

As the Director of Business Development at Harmonic, Alexandre leads a dynamic, cross-regional team focused on driving new qualified opportunities, managing strategic accounts and global strategic alliances. Alexandre and his team play a pivotal role in promoting Harmonic's innovative SaaS offerings across EMEA and APAC and nurturing worldwide strategic partnerships.

With over a decade of experience in the video industry, Alexandre brings a wealth of expertise in systems engineering, program management, customer success, and business development. Prior to his current role at Harmonic, he held various key positions at Harmonic and Thomson Video Networks, contributing significantly to the companies' growth and success.

Alexandre holds a Master of Science in Information Technology from ISEN France and a Master of Business Administration from FBS France. His extensive background and leadership skills make him a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the industry.

• Revolutionizing Sports Streaming: AI and New Monetization Innovations

Michael PAYNE

Chairman & CEO

Michael Payne has been at the forefront of the sports marketing industry for over forty years - having led the global marketing effort for the Olympic Movement for two decades, from 1983 to 2004 as the IOC’s first ever Marketing and Global Broadcast Rights Director. Nominated as one of the world’s most influential marketers by Advertising Age.

On leaving the IOC, Michael founded his own strategic consultancy, Payne Sports Media Strategies, working with many of the world’s leading sports groups and companies. For more than a decade, Michael acted as special advisor to F1’s former Chairman / CEO Bernie Ecclestone, pioneering the effort to bring F1 to new markets. Following the sale of F1 by CVC to Liberty Media, Michael continued to act as a strategic advisor to CVC Group, most recently brokering their investment in World Volleyball.

Michael continues to advises on major Olympic, F1 and other sports, developing some of the world’s largest broadcast and sponsorship deals. Most recently the ground breaking Alibaba - IOC long term partnership deal, and conceived the innovative Joint TOP long term partnership for Coca-Cola & Chinese Dairy giant Mengniu - collectively together valued at over $5billion.

His business book, Olympic Turnaround details the business story of how the Olympic Games stepped back from the brink of bankruptcy to become the world’s best known brand - and a multi billion dollar global franchise.

In 2021 Michael released TOON IN! ( www.olympiccartoon.com ) ‘the unofficial and entirely unsanctioned Olympic History - a large format coffee table book for charity. The book been critically acclaimed around the world and in 2022 won the prestigious Sunday Times Best Sports Book of the Year Award (Illustrated).

Michael is a regular commentator on sports marketing industry affairs for CNN, BBC, Bloomberg, Financial Times and other media groups around the world

• Paris 2024: An Olympic Broadcast & Viewership Success

Marav SAVIR

Head of Marketing

Merav Savir is a content and marketing professional and former sports and news journalist. After more than a decade in front of a camera and reporting from the sidelines of basketball courts, Merav made the switch to marketing in the technology industry, but staying with her passion: sports. She has since been working with Infront Lab, helping sports organizations globally learn about and embrace technologies to improve their day to day initiatives.

• Breaking Down The Fan-Centered Formula for Sports Streaming Success

Julie SOUZA

Global Head of Sports, AWS

Julie Souza leads sports globally for AWS, driving innovation in sports data, virtualized production and distribution, fan data and analytics, generative AI, and more. Prior to joining AWS, Julie led Strategy and Business Development for Second Spectrum, a pioneer in sports data and analytics. She held similar roles leading business development and driving strategy for ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and CBS Sports Network. Julie holds a BA from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

• Amazon Web Services Innovation in Sport
• Women's Networking Panel & Lunch Special Event

Ross TANNER

Sr. VP - Sales, EMEA

Ross Tanner is Senior VP - Sales, EMEA region at Magnifi. Ross is a dynamic media professional with industry-leading experience at sports rights holders, federations, football clubs and media agencies across the world.

Specialised skillset in devising and implementing content distribution strategies for sports broadcasters, digital publishers and social-first clients globally.

• The Pitch: Using AI or Innovative Technology to Revolutionise Sports Content
• Pitch Perfect Winners Announced
• Generative AI & Sports Production & Storytelling

Javier TEBAS

President

Javier Tebas Medrano (San Jose, Costa Rica, 1962), of Spanish nationality, holds a degree in Law from the University of Zaragoza. He has been a practising lawyer since 1987 and founded his own legal firm, specialising in Company Law and, subsequently, in sports and bankruptcy law.

Tebas’s direct involvement in football began in 1993, when he was named president of Sociedad Deportiva Huesca, a position he held until 1998 (a period during which the club competed in Spain’s Tercera Division and Segunda Division B). He later served as a board member at C.D. Badajoz S.A.D. and C.D. Toledo S.A.D. before being elected vice-president of LaLiga in 2001. In 2003 he headed up the G-30, a group representing 30 small LaLiga clubs that was set up to collectively negotiate their audiovisual rights. He has been LALIGA president since 2013 and was re-elected in 2016 and again for a further four-year term in 2019. In 2021 he was appointed as representative of European Leagues on the UEFA Executive Committee.
Tebas’s tenure as LALIGA president has revolved around three core areas; the introduction of a financial controls system which has enabled the clubs to restructure their finances; the collective sale of audiovisual rights which boosts the clubs’ revenue in a balanced way, and the league’s internationalisation strategy, which has seen LALIGA and its member clubs establish themselves as a benchmark reference on the global stage, not just on the field but in the entertainment industry as a whole. In addition, Boost LALIGA, the strategic project of LALIGA and CVC Capital Partners, was recently created to promote growth and consolidation in the areas of technology, innovation, internationalisation and the sporting sphere.

• Keynote by Javier Tebas, President - LALIGA

Scott YOUNG

Group SVP - Content, Production & Business Operations

Scott Young joined WBD Sports in 2020. He is Group SVP Content, Production and Business Operations and oversees its central and localised sports content in 50 markets across Europe, on TNT Sports in the UK and Eurosport across the continent. Flagship events include delivery of the Olympic Games for Warner Bros. Discovery.

A sports media leader, Young holds more than 30 years’ industry experience and has a proven track record of harnessing the art of storytelling, combining editorial, technology and on-screen innovations that unlock the power of sport. Previously, Young headed up Sky Sports’ award-winning Formula 1 coverage. Prior to this, Young oversaw the transformation of IMG’s Television Production unit in South East Asia, which followed a five-year stint as the Head of Television and Content at V8 Supercars in Australia.

After spending more than a decade at Network Ten as the Head of Sport Production, Young’s motorsport expertise saw him lead the production of Network Ten’s entire sports rights portfolio including premium categories spanning Formula 1, MotoGP, the World Rally Championship, Supercars, Indy Car, World Superbikes and Red Bull Air Race.

• Paris 2024: An Olympic Broadcast & Viewership Success

Imran YUSUF

Editor, SportBusiness Media

Imran Yusuf is Editor for SportBusiness Media, the world's most trusted source of media rights deal data, analysis and intelligence.

• SPORT(EL) Spotlight: What Next for Cricket as it Continues its Growth Journey?

Ophir ZARDOK

Head of Sports Strategy & Business Development

A graduate of the prestigious FIFA Master Course, Ophir has been involved in sports at different levels for over 20 years. Since 2009, he has served as UEFA Venue Director and previously launched a sports tech accelerator to bring innovation to the sports space with Microsoft ScaleUp, Deloitte Sports and HYPE Sports Innovation. At LiveU, Ophir’s role is to lead the sports strategy in EMEA/APAC, working with sports organizations, production companies, broadcasters and media companies.

• How EBU Sport Wows Fans with Creative & Innovatively Produced Live Content