News

Jul 15, 2023

SHORTS: MATCHROOM, BRITISH CYCLING, BOURNEMOUTH

04 Aug 2023 Matchroom Sport has announced that four directors will join the board with immediate effect. The sports promoter, which was founded by Barry Hearn and now run by his son, Eddie, has

04 Aug 2023

Matchroom Sport has announced that four directors will join the board with immediate effect.

The sports promoter, which was founded by Barry Hearn and now run by his son, Eddie, has promoted Emily Frazer from her role as Chief Executive Officer of Matchroom Multi Sport to Group Director following her work with the 9 Ball, fishing, gymnastics, ten pin bowling, netball and basketball and properties.

Melanie Simmonds has been promoted to Finance Director with specific responsibility on financial forecasts and strategic financial planning across the group.

Shaun Palmer has joined the main board as Group General Counsel with specific responsibility for acquisitions and group expansion. Shaun also joins the boards of Matchroom Holdings and the Professional Darts Corporation as a Director. He retains his position as Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel of Matchroom Boxing, as well as Director of Matchroom Boxing and Matchroom Boxing USA.

Giles Morgan has been invited to the Board as Non-Executive Director with specific responsibility with regard to group sponsorship activities after a lifetime of blue-chip sponsorship including as Global Head of Sponsorship for HSBC plc.

These new directors will join the existing Board of Eddie Hearn (Chairman), Steve Dawson (Chairman of World Snooker), Matt Porter (CEO of The Professional Darts Corporation), Frank Smith (CEO of Matchroom Boxing) and Katie Hearn (CEO of Matchroom Media).

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Chairman, said, “These are exciting times for Matchroom and we are delighted to announce these important moves today. We are a leading, global sports company and our new board structure future-proofs our intent to excel and dominate the sporting landscape further. Although we must navigate in uncertain economic times, our business trajectory continues to push new boundaries as we stage innovative, world class events both here in the UK and internationally, where we also continue to create opportunities and attract the very best quality in talent across our teams to deliver dynamic results.

“Our diverse infrastructure and core company values to promote from within our Matchroom family beats at the very heart of this announcement. Now I am looking forward to working collectively with this talented team to scale grand new heights for our thriving enterprise.”

Barry Hearn, Non-Executive President of the Group, added, “The last few years has seen dynamic growth of all Matchroom Companies due to the amazing efforts of a group of highly talented individuals. It has been a long journey from the 1982 formation of a £100 equity company to the world leader of niche sports that Matchroom has become, and I am proud of the growth of the group and excited by its future plans and opportunities.

“The Company, led by my son Eddie and my daughter Katie have the benefit of, in my opinion, the best management team out there and I am confident that they will continue the amazing growth we have experienced”.

British Cycling and Coral Eyewear have announced a partnership that will see the British brand provide its products to the Great Britain Cycling Team (GBCT) staff and athletes.

Ahead of the launch of its cycling performance sunglasses in the autumn, Coral Eyewear will work with the GBCT medical directors during the product creation process to help improve eye health within the organisation and to seek performance gains.

GBCT and Coral Eyewear will also collaborate on ‘a range of initiatives aimed at promoting cycling as a sustainable form of transport and encouraging more people to embrace eco-friendly practices.’

Stephen Park CBE, Performance Director of Great Britain Cycling Team, said, “We’re very pleased to welcome Coral Eyewear on board as the team’s official eyewear supplier and look forward to developing the scope of the partnership over the coming years.

“It’s brilliant to find a partner that supports our sustainability objectives while also providing top quality products for our staff and riders, but we have also brought them on board for a wider strategic purpose.”

George Bailey, Co-Founder of Coral Eyewear, added, “We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with British Cycling. Our shared commitment to sustainability and performance makes this a perfect match. Through supplying some of the country’s best young athletes with sustainable eyewear and working together with the organisation to promote the importance of eco-friendly practices in sport, I believe we can help create real impact within the cycling and eyewear industries.“

Premier League football club AFC Bournemouth has revealed that Dun & Bradstreet, will feature as official training wear partner for the 2023/24 season.

The global provider of business decisioning data and analytics business will see its logo feature on the front of all first team training wear, including staff attire and matchday warm-up tops. The company will also benefit from exposure around the Cherries’ Vitality Stadium.

Jim Frevola, President of Business at AFC Bournemouth, said, “We’re delighted to be partnering with Dun & Bradstreet, who are an industry-leading company with global appeal.

“As an organisation, they share our values and ambitions, and we believe this will be a successful partnership for all involved.”

Edward Thorne, General Manager at Dun & Bradstreet Europe, commented, “Successful teams in business and sport rely on accurate and timely data and analytics to improve performance and gain a competitive advantage. We’re excited to be part of the Bournemouth community, and to support the team and their fans around the world.”

Southampton FC has launched a new dedicated streaming service for fans.

Saints Play is set to offer ‘an alternative way for fans to follow matches if they cannot attend games’ and includes live audio commentary for every men’s EFL Championship game during the 2023/24 campaign.

Live video coverage will also be available for domestic and international fans, with selected women’s and academy matches made available throughout the season.

Charlie Boss, Chief Commercial Officer at Southampton Football Club, said, “We’re delighted to offer even more access to the action this season to Saints fans worldwide with Saints Play. The service is a fantastic opportunity to enhance fan experience whilst connecting our fan base to the club they love.”

West Ham United has confirmed the appointment of Vanessa Gold to the club’s Board of Directors.

Gold will occupy the role of Joint-Chair, previously held by her father David Gold, who sadly passed away, at the age of 86, in January 2023.

Vanessa Gold, new Joint-Chair of West Ham United, said, “West Ham United is a Club that means so much to me and my family. My late father’s deep-rooted history and love of the Club is well known and it will be an honour and privilege to continue our family legacy by joining the West Ham United Board, bringing my own experience and supporting the Club and everyone associated with it in every way I can.”

Karren Brady, Vice-Chair at West Ham United, added, “We are delighted to welcome Vanessa to the Board of directors at West Ham United. She brings strong business acumen and experience and I am sure she will make a hugely positive impact that will be of great benefit to the Football Club.”

David Sullivan, Joint-Chair at West Ham United, expressed, “I am delighted to welcome Vanessa to the Board of Directors at West Ham United.

“David Gold and I were close friends and business partners for almost half a century and it is very reassuring to see David’s legacy continued in his name. West Ham United is a club built on strong family values and principles, and it is important that we continue to cherish that.

“Vanessa is already a familiar and loyal member of the West Ham family, and we look forward to working together.”

EFL League Two football club AFC Wimbledon has announced PremedGo as the club’s official training kit and well-being partner for the coming campaign.

PremedGo is a free health technology app that aims to ‘reshape preventative healthcare.’

Andrew Stead, Head of Commercial at AFC Wimbledon, said, “Their proactive view of healthcare is a great fit for the Club and we are proud to adorn their logo on all first-team training wear this season.”

George Nimfour, Founder and Chief Executive Officer for PremedGo, added, “We are proud to announce our partnership with AFC Wimbledon as the Club’s official training kit and well-being partner. Our decision to collaborate stems from our unwavering belief in the synergy between training and health.

“With our commitment to promoting preventative health through training, we aspire to empower players, staff, and fans to lead healthier lives, both on and off the field. Together, we envision a stronger and healthier community that fosters the love of the game and embraces the joy of a healthy lifestyle.”