Viaplay Group has appointed Cecilia Gave as executive vice president and head of sports, elevating her from her previous role as vice president of sports production at the Nordic media company.
In his new role, Gave will oversee the strategic development and coordinate the management of Viaplay’s sports operations in all relevant markets. She first joined the company in 2016, serving in a variety of leadership positions including Vice President and Head of Sports in Norway and Senior Vice President and Group Head of Viafree, as well as Head of Operations for MTG Sport Sweden.
Gave replaces Peter Nørrelund, who resigned last month.
“I am both humbled and honored to take on the responsibility of leading Viaplay Group’s sports operations in the next phases of our journey,” said Gave.
“Over the years, our company has become synonymous with premium sports entertainment and I’m excited to work even more closely with our talented teams to continue to strengthen our position and elevate the viewing experience even further for sports fans. sports and beyond.”
Anders Jensen, President and CEO of Viaplay Group, added: “I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Cecilia as our new Head of Sports. Cecilia brings the perfect blend of relevant experience and fresh perspectives vital to a rapidly changing media industry.
“Viaplay has a unique position in the market with a portfolio of best-in-class sports rights, combined with excellent live coverage and studios, now is the time to further leverage these rights, drive growth and maximize their full potential in our markets. Cecilia’s vast experience and leadership qualities make her the ideal choice to lead our athletic department into an exciting future.
Elsewhere, tech giant Meta has gone through its latest round of layoffs, which has seen several top sports executives leave the company. As reported by Sportico, head of global sports media partnerships Rob Shaw, director of sports partnerships Kevin Cote and Dev Sethi, who managed partnerships between sports creators and college athletes, are all in the process of to get out.
Nike has reshuffled several of its executives, appointing Heidi O’Neill as president of consumer, product and brand, Craig Williams as president of geographies and market, Sarah Mensah as president of Jordan Brand, Scott Uzzell as vice president, general manager of North America. , and Andy Campio as Managing Director of Strategic Business Enterprises.
Additionally, Matthew Friend, Nike’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, will also expand his responsibilities to include purchasing, global sites and services, and supply and demand management. Michael Spillane, President of Consumer Creative, will retire later in 2023 after 16 years with the company.
Appointment
Jorge Garbajosa
President, Fiba Europe
Notes: Garbajosa is also president of the Spanish Basketball Federation.
Pascale Van Damme
President, Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA)
Notes: Van Damme, who replaces Paul Van den Bulck, is the first woman president of the RFBA
Juan Carlos Rodriguez
President, Mexican Football Federation (FMF)
Michael Winger
President, Monumental Basketball
Previously: General Manager, Los Angeles Clippers
Joy Chitwood
Executive Director, 2026 Presidents Cup, PGA Tour
Previously: Chief Operating Officer, Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
Ryan Shaw
Executive Creative Director, Octagon UK
Previously: Creative Director, Octogone
Pietro Moro
Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Religion of Sports
Previously: Chief Financial Officer, Gunpowder & Sky
departures
Brigitte Henrique
President of the French Olympic Committee (CNOSF)
Remarks: the general secretary of the CNOSF, Astrid Guyart, will assume the interim of the presidency.
Martin Semmens
Managing Director, Southampton F.C.
Note: Henrik Kraft will continue as club president and act as interim general manager.
Sanjay Patel
Managing Director of The Hundred, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)
Notes: Patel will leave after the conclusion of this year’s competition.
Lisa Murray
Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Diversity Officer, Octagon
Notes: Murray will be retiring from the company at the end of August.
Barry Blynn
Vice President of Research, Insights and Analytics, ESPN
Justin Reeves
General Manager, Hawthorn Football Club
Note: Hawthorn commercial director Ash Klein has been appointed as the Australian Football League (AFL) club’s interim chief executive.
Yao Ming
President, Chinese Basketball Association (CBA)
Note: Eight-time National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star Yao has been replaced by Xu Jicheng.
