Each week, InsiderSport is detailing the signings and departures from the business of sport. This edition looks at expansion for Betgenius, as well as a departure from FC Barcelona.
Desideri appointment boosts Betgenius Italian expansion
Supporting its growth strategy, Betgenius has appointed Luca Desideri as its new Commercial Director for the Italian market.
Desideri joins the sports data specialists from SBTech, where he previously held the role of Country Manager. He brings with him a wealth of localised expertise, having spent over 15 years in the italian betting and gaming industry.
Speaking on his appointment, Desideri commented: “I’m delighted to join Betgenius, a modern, fast growing and highly trusted international giant. Together with our great team, I look forward to achieving big things in this complex and highly competitive market.”
As part of the new role, Desideri will take responsibility for driving growth across Betgenius’ product set, ranging from a turnkey platform solution to the provision of the world’s leading live data and in-play trading service.
Matt Stephenson, Global Partnerships Director at Betgenius, concluded: “In Luca, we have identified a proven Italian market expert who will be able to provide strategic direction and strong leadership as we continue to invest and grow in the country. His knowledge and experience of sportsbook technology is second-to-none.”
Pep Segura confirms FC Barcelona departure
FC Barcelona has confirmed the club has reached an agreement to terminate the contract of Technical Manager, Josep Segura.
Following the announcement the club publicly expressed its gratitude to Segura for his commitment and dedication, and wished him good luck and success in the future.
Having been at the club since 2015, Segura had a year left on his Barcelona contract when it was terminated.
His termination likely means the club’s sporting director and former defensive stalwart, Eric Abidal will be given a greater role at the Nou Camp.
Coe set to be reappointed
Seb Coe is set to be reappointed as the president of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).
It comes after the IAAF unveiled a list of 45 candidates from across the globe who have put themselves forward for election to the international federation’s governing board, the IAAF Council.
The 45 candidates, a six percent increase on the number of candidates in 2015, will be elected into 18 positions on the Council at the IAAF Congress on 25 September 2019, two days ahead of the World Athletics Championships Doha 2019.
The 18 positions are broken down into one President, four Vice Presidents – at least one of which will be female – and 13 Individual Members.
In addition to these 18 positions there will be six Area Presidents who have already been elected by their Areas and two members of the Athletes’ Commission (one female and one male) who will be elected by the Athletes’ Commission in November, making a total of 26 IAAF Council Members.
A focus on increasing the gender balance on Council, with the Areas conducting gender leadership seminars, has seen a 10% increase in female candidates.
“We have a strong list of candidates from 44 countries applying for IAAF Council positions which demonstrates the global strength of our sport,” said IAAF President, Sebastian Coe. “I am particularly pleased that almost 40% of the Individual Candidates are female, something we have seen reflected across our Area elections, with four of our Areas electing a female Vice President.”
MacEacharn exits Perform
Long-term executive of Perform Group, Ross MacEacharn has confirmed via LinkedIn that he has ended his 11-year tenure with the sports data and media rights firm.
MacEacharn, the current CEO of Perform, informs that he will not form part of the new executive management team taking shape at ‘Stats Perform’, the new business entity formed by US hedge fund Vista Equity, merging the assets of Perform and US sports data firm STATS.
MacEacharn commented: “This has proved a surprisingly difficult message to write, but after more than 11 years and following the successful completion of the acquisition of Perform by Vista I have stepped down from my role at Perform.”
MacEacharn was appointed CEO of Perform in July 2018, as the company undertook a structural reorganisation by splitting its operating divisions of Perform Content and DAZN OTT services.
