Ian Ayre and Ivan Gazidis, CEO’s of Premier League teams Liverpool and Arsenal discussed their respective global strategies whilst Guy Laurent Epstein, Marketing Director of UEFA, outlined continued growth plans for UEFA Champions League, one of the most watched sports competitions in the world. On the back of the decision to move the date for the 2022 World Cup, Secretary General Hassan Al Thawadi gave an impassioned interview on why Qatar are proud to be hosting the world’s most popular sports tournament, progress they have made to date, challenges they are facing and the determination to use football to unite the world. Flying in especially for the Summit, Jean-Claude Biver, Chairman of Hublot, inspired the audience with his story of innovation and heritage in building the brand whilst European Ryder Cup Captain, Paul McGinley, gave a unique, honest, entertaining and fascinating insight into the victorious Ryder Cup winning team.
Some of the biggest names in US sport also contributed with NFL’s EVP Mark Waller, NASCAR‘s COO Brent Drewer and NBA President Sal LaRocca discussing international expansion whilst team owners Wyc Grousbeck and David Blitzer talked about the reason for investing in high profile sports franchises. Brett Yormark and Billy King gave a behind the scenes look at how the Brooklyn Nets business works together on and off the field whilst Ameritrade CMO, Denise Karkos and PUMA GM Christian Voigt looked at building value and engagement through sport. Big hitting media executives Erik Shanks and David Zaslav, respective President’s of Fox Sports and Discovery Communications, talked about growing audiences and platforms whilst top executives from Jaunt Virtual Reality, Twitch, Nickelodean and Intel went beyond support to look at the future of technology, the behaviours of Millennials and how sport can unlock this potential.
James Worrall, CEO, Leaders commented: “We’re really thrilled with the success of our second Leaders Sport Business Summit on US soil which has doubled in size from its inaugural year and included a truly global line up of speakers and delegates. Our purpose is to support the industry with new ideas, opportunities and relationships for those who attend and we’re already looking forward to next years edition in New York.”
The Summit saw director level representation of 522 individuals from over 30 countries, 20 sports and 50 brands making it a truly global experience and a unique opportunity to drive the sports industry forward.
Sessions from The Leaders Sport Business Summit will be available by download within the next few days. For more information, contact Laura McQueen, laura.mcqueen@leadersinsport.com