Judges 2024

Barney Francis joined IMG as Executive Vice President, Head of Global Production, in November 2021. He oversees the production of thousands of hours of content on behalf of more than 200 federations, associations and events to help them reach new and existing fans in creative and compelling ways. Widely-respected as one of the leading sports executives in the world, Francis was largely responsible for establishing Sky Sports as the leading UK sport broadcaster during his 20-year spell with the organization. As Managing Director, he grew the channel offering from 5 channels to 11, adding premium sports such as Formula 1, the Masters, The Open and NBA to the portfolio while also increasing the number of Premier League matches shown on Sky. He also oversaw continued technological innovation with developments in 3D, Ultra HD, virtual reality and the continued growth of Sky Sports’ digital, social and online presence. Prior to his role as Managing Director, Francis was Sky Sports’ Executive Producer for Football and Cricket, producing a range of live coverage, support programming and sport news content. His production credits include the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, the ICC Cricket World Cup and Test cricket.

With over 20 years’ experience in F1, Pete has led numerous key technical areas such as IT, Electronics, Software, Research & Development, Digital Delivery, Digital Technology and Digital Operations. In each of these cases driving the evolution of the F1 Eco system. Breaking new ground for Formula 1 Pete recently headed up the division responsible for delivering the transformation of F1’s digital platforms all the way through to developing innovative solutions that facilitate new and exciting content to the full range of F1 products, including live
broadcast. Currently, Pete is focused on a new leadership role spearheading Strategic Technical Ventures within F1. Pete focuses on driving F1’s strategic technical goals with a future facing role that will deliver real innovation and technical change, through the utilisation of strong technical partnerships.

Pete is passionate about pushing the boundaries of existing technologies in addition to leveraging those technologies, ensuring they achieve real business gain and increase fan engagement in the exciting and challenging environment of F1.

Achievements include: Leading teams to deliver the F1 Standard Communication System ( Telemetry, video and data solution). Leading teams to deliver new Digital platforms for F1, including F1.com (website), F1 app and F1’s first ever direct to consumer video streaming service (OTT platform).

With a background in political communication, I started my sports journey working for Public Content Partnerships at Facebook in 2011, helping shape the strategy for the top tier sports, media, politics and entertainment clients in the EMEA region across the company’s family of platforms – including Instagram and the Mentions app. Then, I moved to UEFA in 2015, leading social media and digital partnerships, with the scope to drive new business revenue and audience growth for European Football, followed by working for Google Search, leading strategic content partnerships and actions integrations for Media & Sports in EMEA. I joined DFL in 2020, being the first female director across the group. In my current role I am overseeing all B2C activities on the Bundesliga’s owned-and-operated digital channels and across various languages. DFL Digital Sports GmbH is a fully owned subsidiary of DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga GmbH, responsible for the distribution of the Bundesliga’s digital content. I also serve as member of its executive board.

Melissa Lawton is responsible for Live Sports Production Strategy at Facebook. She’s charged with helping Facebook’s partners redefine the live sports viewing experience to foster deeper and more meaningful connections between fans and the broadcasters, teams, leagues and athletes they follow. In this role, Melissa will design production strategies that inspire partners to fully leverage the interactive and social potential of video on Facebook. She’ll also work closely with the Facebook product team to develop the tools partners need to deliver sports broadcasts for the next generation of fans.

Melissa joined Facebook after five years as the Head of Live Content at Red Bull Media House, working specifically on the creation and expansion of Red Bull’s media network, Red Bull TV. In this capacity, she oversaw a global production team that produced premium, live third-party sports, music and culture events and many ‘beyond the ordinary’ Red Bull competitions across the globe.

Tom has worked in the sports broadcast industry for over 18 years and is currently SVP of Product at DAZN. Before moving to DAZN, Tom was Global Head of Digital at Eleven Sports where he was responsible for the strategy and development of the OTT product globally. He oversaw launches in new markets and drove platform innovations like the Sports Pro OTT award-winning Watch Together tool. Tom was also previously Head of Video at Sky Sports.

Gabrielle Guedj is the Director of Commercial Rights Sales & New Business Development at ATP Media, previously at IMG and its subsidiary SNTV for 22 years as Senior Vice President in Media looking after various territories in Europe and  MENA.

A sociologist by formation, Gabrielle has lived in France, Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco in her formative  years . She has studied in the Czech republic ( and is a fluent  Czech speaker ) and lived in her native France before relocating to the UK where she has been based for most of her professional life.

Bhavesh Patel is currently the Chief Digital Officer at beIN Media Group based in Paris. He is working on building their next generation global OTT platform and driving innovation across the group. Prior, Bhavesh was an OTT strategy advisor for CBS Studios International and Verizon Go90, headed up Betfair’s US horserace wagering business, and led the launch of FOX Soccer 2 Go and NBA International League Pass.

Zehra Betul Ayranci is a Director, Business & Legal Affairs at FOX Sports, overseeing remote operations for the production of global sporting events in soccer, football, baseball, motorsports, rugby, basketball, and more. Prior to her current role, Betul served as the sole legal counsel and main point of contact to FOX’s sports rights acquisitions in Europe, Middle East and Africa, based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Native of Turkey, Betul has over 12 years of practice experience, as an award-wining lawyer, board member, public speaker, and published author, across five continents, in sports, tech, and scripted and non-scripted entertainment industries. Holding an LL.M. degree with Fulbright Scholarship, Betul is currently pursuing a PhD degree at University of California Berkeley Law with a dissertation on the intersection of law, economics, and policy in the content industries in the digital streaming era.

Andreas Heyden was appointed CEO of new German streaming service, S Nation Media in August 2022. He has previously worked at Deutsche Fussball League as chief executive of DFL Digital Sports, the digital content and distribution subsidiary of the league. Heyden has worked across various aspects of the media industry, including video on demand (VoD), over-the-top content (OTT), and in augmented reality, AI, and 5G applications. S Media Nation is due to launch in the third quarter of 2023 and aims to be the new German home of sports other than football.

Julie Souza leads the Global Sports Practice for AWS Professional Services, driving innovation in sports data (tracking, AI/ML/CV), virtualized production, direct-to-consumer interactivity and monetization, fan data and analytics, and smart venue solutions. Prior to joining AWS, Julie led Strategy and Business Development for Second Spectrum, the official data analytics partner of the NBA, EPL, MLS, and others. 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.

Robbie Spargo is Director of Sport at Little Dot Studios, an award-winning digital content agency and media network headquartered in London. Robbie joined Little Dot Studios in 2017, forging partnerships with The FA and Eurosport to add to a sports portfolio that included (and still includes) the ECB and FIA Formula E. He now oversees a team of 50 people, servicing around 30 retained sports partners with digital strategy, content creation, social management, video distribution, and content monetisation. Starting his career at FremantleMedia, Robbie developed the highly successful YouTube partnership for the global format-owners of The X Factor, Idols and Got Talent in the early years of the platform’s expansion into premium content. He subsequently moved to New Zealand to work at TVNZ, launching TVNZ OnDemand Shorts and running an innovation lab to source new talent, content and distribution channels. He lives in Lewisham with his wife and two young daughters.

David Guinan is a digital executive with 25+ years of experience in digital and emerging media. He specializes in product development and leveraging emerging technologies to effectively engage new audiences. Throughout his career, David has successfully produced commercial work, branded content, and XR experiences for renowned brands such as Adidas, The Armory Show, English Premiere League, NBC, MTV, Sundance, IFC, and Paul McCartney.

David currently spearheads the product development of Rural Media Group’s Cowboy Channel + app and streaming service. Under his guidance, the platform achieved remarkable growth, generating over $14 million in revenue and attracting a subscriber base of over 100,000 in less than four years. He also led teams in creating XR products and experiences for notable clients, including Orion Health, UNMC, NET, and Standard Nutrition.

As Production Lead for NBA Asia, Colin oversees the development and execution of original content in the region. This includes creating compelling narratives for NBA owned-and-operated and direct-to-consumer channels as well as content to power various media and marketing partners. 

Prior to the NBA, Colin was a studio director for Premier League Productions/IMG in London, having previously worked on the FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship, Olympics, Formula 1 and Wimbledon Championships. 

OTT Marketing and Customer Relationship manager with 13 years of experience in projects related to OTT, Pay tv, entertainment, sports and sports Rights. Currently working at Group Mediapro managing branding, advertising campaigns and customer´s strategy in several OTT projects. Also coordination of digital highlights strategy. Bachelor degree in Advertising and Public Relations (2002/2007) at Pontifical University of Salamanca and in Audiovisual Communication (2006/2008) at University of Salamanca.

Alex Sparkes is part of the team responsible for media partnerships, revenue growth and development strategy outside of the USA for WWE. Alex is based in WWE’s London office and has a primary focus on WWE’s international broadcast partnerships across the globe, helping to set the content and platform strategy to maximise value in the evolving broadcast market. The role also involves working closely with teams across WWE, such as Live Events, Marketing, Sponsorship, Consumer Goods and TV Production, to leverage WWE’s IP across all verticals, both D2C and together with partners around the world. 

Having joined WWE 2 years ago, Alex previously spent 5 years at the sports streaming business DAZN Group, in a number of roles in the rights acquisition team. Initially in the team focused on long-term global rights partnerships such as FIBA, EHF and CONMEBOL, he moved into the DAZN rights team during the transition from Perform Group. Subsequently, this included a spell living in Tokyo to lead the local rights team for DAZN’s business in Japan, regarded as the largest sports broadcaster in the market and partner to the biggest domestic Japanese and global rights holders.

Born in Berlin, Dennis Galejski studied Sports Science and Economics at the German Sport University in Cologne and at times at State University of New York, College at Cortland. Dennis holds a diploma in Sport Economics and various post-graduate certificates from the UEFA and Sports Business Academy by WHU in the field of football and sports management. After graduation in 2012, Dennis started his career in professional sports at Sportfive, working in Hospitality & Media Sales. After two years Dennis joined the DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga GmbH, which is responsible for organising and marketing German professional football. Since 2015, Dennis is part of DFL’s Audiovusal Rights department and has been appointed to Deputy Head of Audiovisual Rights International in 2020, being jointly responsible for the strategic development of Bundesliga’s International Product Portfolio. Further he orchestrates Bundesliga’s international production and is responsible for the key accounting of Bundesliga’s international media partners.

Harvey Moss, Head of Business Development & Partnerships at Global Fan Network, is a sports media professional with expertise in fan-led and digital sports content. Formerly the Head of Social Media, Harvey excels in social strategy, content development, and forging strategic partnerships. He drives innovation and elevates fan experiences in the ever-evolving sports industry.

After almost 10 years purely focusing on fighting sports-related media rights distribution and being part of the tremendous growth of this specific industry, partnering and working for the biggest companies (UFC, ONE Championship, K-1, Enfusion, etc), I have decided to take on a new challenge: Esports.
I have always been very keen to build up so-called “niche content” to a mainstream level in terms of monetization and recognition.
Esports, such as fighting sports in its early days, is an industry that has not exploited all its potential and I am eager to be here when it will skyrocket.

My name is Miguel Buhigas. I have been part of the Olympic family for more than 7 years. I am currently Broadcaster Service Manager at Olympic Broadcasting Services-OBS, Host broadcaster of the Olympic Summer and Winter Games, Youth games and Paralympic games. I have been part of OBS Broadcaster Service team in the Rio 2016, PyeongChang 2018, Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic games. In my role we are OBS’s main point of contact for the Rights Holding Broadcasters worldwide, managing their overall service needs and requests before and during the Games, channelling their projects through OBS and ensuring the quality of the technical aspects. Always aiming to bring the RHB Olympic projects and platforms to the next level. With special emphasis I have been leading the Paralympic games RHB projects within OBS.

Dr. Mintas is a high-profile Entrepreneur, Investor and Thought Leader in the Technology and Sports Industry on a global level. She has been involved in various roles as a High Executive or Strategic Advisor in the Sports, Sports Betting & iGaming, Media & Entertainment and Crypto space.

She has extensive and unique experience in the Sports Betting space having worked in the space in many different roles – as a C-level Executive of major Sports Organizations such as FIFA and CONCACAF, the leading sports betting and media data company with Sportradar; a very innovative, omni-channel Betting Platform with Betworks and as a disruptive B-C sports betting, fantasy, iGaming and horse racing operator with PlayUp. Through her roles as Strategic Advisor, she was involved in many deals across the industry, including the sports media, betting and crypto world.

Iván Justel has a degree in Journalism from the Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid and more than 13 years’ experience in the world of Communication, Social Media and Digital Marketing, always closely associated with audiovisual and OTT projects. He currently holds the position of Head of Sports Communications & Social Media Manager at the MEDIAPRO Group, where he spearheads a range of digital strategy teams and projects. Iván has also received certification in many areas related to the world of communication and digital environments, including Social Media Management, Corporate Communications, Digital Rights and Audience Growth on YouTube.

SSI provides strategic consulting and business development for established and start-up technology companies servicing the sports television and new media markets. Its principal, Doug Billman, has 45 years of experience in sports marketing, corporate consulting, television production/distribution, digital media rights/production, and sales. He has acted as the senior executive for multiple companies over the last 30 years.

Since its establishment in 2003, SSI has served over 50 clients (25% of them Israeli), helping them to refine their product offering, develop business strategies, acquire customers and partners, and raise growth capital or identify M&A opportunities. SSI’s network of relationships within the sports industry and the now-robust sports tech investment sector continues to grow.

Andrew is the founder of 1896 Partners where he works with investors and leadership teams across the sports and entertainment industry on investments, partnerships, and strategy development.

Andrew was most recently VP Global Strategy & Corporate Development at WWE, where he partnered with the exec team on all elements of its global business strategy including media rights, live events, sponsorship, etc.

In his role, Andrew also oversaw WWE’s corporate venture and innovation activities that included sourcing partnerships and investment opportunities from banks, VCs, and start-ups. Most recently he sourced, diligenced, and led WWE’s investments in the Premier Lacrosse League and JomBoy Media. In leading WWE’s venture activities, Andrew also represented WWE as a Board Observer as part of investments in Cloud9 (leading esports org) and FloSports (niche sports OTT service).

Before WWE, Andrew was a management consultant at The Parthenon Group in Boston working with private equity and corporate clients on investment due diligence and growth strategy engagements. In the sports and entertainment sector, notable assignments included The Kraft Group, Legends Hospitality, and Under Armour.

Gergo is the CEO and owner of The Team Play, a sports media consultancy, where he merges his entertainment and youth audience growth backgrounds and applies that to sports. Gergo spent 10+ years at premier entertainment companies HBO, Disney and Sony Pictures Television, and consulted streaming company Rakuten TV. Gergo is also an owner of Special Effects Media, a social video company, building audiences across YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Twitch and other video platforms.

Over a decade spent working at the forefront of China’s fast-developing sports digital industry, spanning roles across business development, PR, media rights, and brand. Currently, I head up the communications and brand department at China’s leading sports digital agency Mailman, which includes running the PR department P&L, maintaining media & industry relationsips, producing the company’s industry newsletter, and handling client relationships.

Regularly featured on podcasts and in media publications, I deliver a bridge between the often misunderstood Chinese sports market and the west.

Fluent in Mandarin, I gain greater insights and access into the Chinese market and integrate in high-level discussions with China’s leading sports industry decision-makers.

Media Solution Specialist with long experience in small and large-scale technology solutions in the TV and Media area, as a leader and technical advisor in OTT and streaming media delivery. Magnus works for Eyevinn Technology, an independent consultant company specializing in video streaming, distribution and technology.

Magnus assignments includes streaming solution architecture, technical product management, business development and senior management advisory. Magnus is also involved in strategical assignments helping customers to navigate in the media industry, as well as conducting Technical Due Diligence projects.

Eyevinn are helping content owners, large broadcasters, TV operators, newspapers and technology vendors to solve challenges around streaming.

International Board Member, Chairman and business executive with significant experience in strategy, growth and business development, especially in media and OTT. I’ve been involved in taking new technology into new markets, leading diverse teams to success, including in the very early days of OTT.

My core focus has been to grow businesses. I’ve started companies, sold companies (including my own), am involved in venture investing. I’m currently directing, advising and investing in technology companies plus pro bono mentoring of great people who want to make a difference.

Leander is partner at LaSource, a sports consulting agency based in Bordeaux, Paris and Ghent. Leander has 10+ years experience in the sports business, with extensive expertise in media rights and sports business strategy. At his previous role of CBO at the Belgian Pro League, he was heading the preparation, guidance and negotiation of several of the League’s media rights deals, including the most recent record-breaking exclusive 5-year partnership with Eleven Sports and led the overall business strategy for the league. At LaSource, Leander now advises tech companies, broadcasters, leagues and clubs on areas at the intersection of media, digital and technology.

Over a 40-year career Alastair has advised sports organisations, brands, investors, broadcasters, production companies and digital businesses, and has served on the board of several sports, media, and charitable organisations.

He was Director of Sport at ITN from 2016 until June 2024 and previously spent 14 years at IMG, latterly as Executive Vice President.  As IMG Media’s Chief Operating Officer, he ran a global portfolio of media production, distribution, facilities, archive and research businesses, working extensively throughout Asia and Australasia, North and South America, Europe and the Middle East.

Alastair has a significant international network that can open doors for direct commercial benefit and a reputation for turning complex strategies into “fit for purpose” operational plans. He is an expert in the ecology of the sports industry with deep knowledge and experience in navigating sports organisations, commercial entities, and media platforms.

In addition to his work with Waddington Media, Alastair is Managing Partner of ludorum, a specialist major events consultancy.