Disney Alum Kevin Mayer To Lead Streaming Service DAZN As Chairman, Replacing John Skipper

Kevin Mayer, whose long tenure at Disney culminated in the successful launch of Disney+, is joining sports streaming outfit DAZN as chairman.

He replaces former colleague John Skipper, the longtime former ESPN executive who steered DAZN through launches in the U.S. and other global territories. Backed by billionaire Len Blavatnik, DAZN specializes in boxing and soccer, but also controls rights to several other sports in select parts of the world. Given its resources, the service has been considered a candidate to make a play for more high-end sports rights. The value of those rights has declined internationally, making them attractive, and is becoming unwieldy for traditional U.S. media companies.

Skipper and ex-ESPN host Dan LeBatard formed content company Meadowlark Media in January. As was planned at that time, Skipper will remain on the board of DAZN and will continue as an advisor to the company.

Unlike Skipper, who was executive chairman of DAZN, Mayer’s title will be chairman. Co-CEOs James Rushton and Shay Segev will operate the company, while Mayer will oversee the board and set overall strategy.

After Mayer was passed over and Bob Chapek became CEO of Disney in February 2020, Mayer became CEO of TikTok, but his tenure was brief. When the fast-rising social media company encountered a wall of opposition from the Donald Trump administration due to its China ties, Mayer departed after just a few months. He has since been tapping his finance and strategic planning background, working with RedBird Capital, among others, to put together deals.

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