Sports data specialist Ian Wray has been appointed to oversee Genius Sports’ expansion in the global football market, as the sports data and technology group moves forward with its growth strategy.
Wray has accumulated nine years experience of leveraging data solutions in the football space, having been responsible for leading global sales at ChyronHego’s sport-data focused Tracab division.
The new hire will work to enhance Genius football offering and market position by applying ‘extensive expertise in official sports data’ to Genius technology, video and fan engagement solutions.
“I’m tremendously excited to be joining Genius Sports at this key moment in the company’s development,” Wray commented. “The market for official sports data and video content is continuing to expand at pace.
“I’m, therefore, very much looking forward to helping Genius Sports leverage its existing technology portfolio, as well as its impressive recent acquisitions, to deliver even greater value across the whole spectrum of stakeholders within the world of soccer.”
Wray’s appointment comes as the sports data and technology company seeks to establish its position in a range of sports markets as an NYSE-registered business, with his primary duty being to oversee the firm’s partnerships with prominent football organisations, such as the English Premier League, Argentine Football Association (AFA) and Mexico’s Liga MX.
He joins Genius as the company pursues a global growth strategy across multiple sports and marketings, having recently published its first H1 report as an NYSE-registered business, after completing a public listing earlier this year.
The company doubled its revenue during Q2 2021 to $59 million, whilst expanding its technology services through the acquisitions of Sportzcast and Second Spectrum and also enjoying success in its Betting Technology unit, which experienced a rise in income of 144% to $41 million.
“Ian is a real expert in how official data can be monetised to power the most contextual and engaging products for fans, coaches, broadcasters and other key stakeholders,” said Jack Davison, Chief Commercial Officer at Genius Sports.
“Our global soccer business has grown significantly in recent years and Ian is the perfect person to take that to the next level.”
