Ex-Entain chief Shay Segev becomes sole CEO of DAZN

Former Entain CEO Shay Segev has been appointed as the sole CEO of sports streaming platform DAZN, with the OTT sports streaming company reaffirming its commitment to exploring sports betting opportunities.

Segev originally joined DAZN in June 2021 as co-CEO alongside DAZN founder James Rushton but the latest corporate restructuring will see the Israeli assume the top job alone.

Stepping down as co-CEO, Rushton will continue to oversee growth in local markets, rights and content for the company.

Segev spent a mere six months as Entain CEO before confirming his decision to join DAZN in January 2021, having only replaced long-standing boss Kenny Alexander in July 2020.

In September 2021, Segev onboarded former Entain head of B2B Ian Turnbull as EVP of betting and gaming at DAZN, with Turnbull tasked of building out a sports betting team.

Launched in 2016, DAZN is bankrolled by owner Sir Leonard Blavatnik who topped the Sunday Times Rich List for the second time in 2021 after his personal fortune swelled by £7bn to £23bn.

Media reports suggest DAZN is close to a deal to acquire BT Sport for an estimated $800m, giving it access rights to the Premier League and the Champions League, as part of the platform’s ambition to become the Netflix of sport.

Confirming Segev’s transition to sole CEO, DAZN highlighted the future verticals it would look to explore, including sports betting.

DAZN said: “Looking into 2022, fans can expect an even deeper, more interactive experience with DAZN as the company moves forward with recreational betting, gaming, e-commerce, NFTs and tech advances in the viewing experience.”

Speaking on the decision, Kevin Mayer, DAZN’s chair, said: “Shay’s technology background and outstanding history of delivering a strong performance culture will be hugely beneficial as DAZN introduces additional interactive fan engagement services such as betting and e-commerce for users to enjoy alongside our core offering of live sports streaming.”