Viaplay Group has named Cecilia Gave as executive vice president and head of sports, elevating her from her previous position as vice president of sport production at the Nordic media company.
In her new role, Gave will oversee strategic development and coordinate the management of Viaplay’s sports operations across all relevant markets. She first joined the company in 2016, holding various leadership roles, including vice president and head of sports 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 stepped down last month.
“I am both humbled and honoured to take on the responsibility of leading Viaplay Group’s sports operations into the next phases of our journey,” Gave said.
“Over the years, our company has become synonymous with premium sports entertainment and I am excited to work even closer with our talented teams to continue strengthening our position and to elevate the viewing experience for sports enthusiasts and beyond even further.”
Anders Jensen, Viaplay Group president and chief executive added: “I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Cecilia as our new head of sports. Cecilia brings a perfect mix of relevant experience and fresh new perspectives, vital to a fast evolving media industry.
“Viaplay has a unique market position with a portfolio of top-class sports rights, combined with great live coverage and studios, now it is time to further leverage on these rights, drive growth and maximise their full potential in our markets. Cecilia’s extensive experience and leadership qualities make her the ideal choice to lead our sports department into the exciting future.”
Elsewhere, technology giant Meta has carried out 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 handled sports creator and college athlete partnerships, are all exiting.
Nike has reshuffled several of its executives, naming Heidi O’Neill as president of consumer, product and brand, Craig Williams as president of geographies and marketplace, 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 ventures.
In addition, Matthew Friend, Nike’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, will also expand his responsibilities to include procurement, global places and services, and demand and supply management. Michael Spillane, president of consumer creation, will retire later in 2023 after 16 years with the company.
Appointments
Jorge Garbajosa
President, Fiba Europe
Notes: Garbajosa also serves as 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 RFBA’s first female president
Juan Carlos Rodriguez
President, Mexican Football Federation (FMF)
Michael Winger
President, Monumental Basketball
Previously: General manager, Los Angeles Clippers
Joie 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, Octagon
Pietro Moro
Chief operating officer and chief financial officer, Religion of Sports
Previously: Chief financial officer, Gunpowder & Sky
Departures
Brigitte Henriques
President, French Olympic Committee (CNOSF)
Notes: CNOSF general secretary Astrid Guyart will assume the presidency on an interim basis.
Martin Semmens
Chief executive, Southampton FC
Note: Henrik Kraft will continue as the club’s chairman and act as interim chief executive.
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 retire from the company at the end of August.
Barry Blyn
Vice president of research, insights and analytics, ESPN
Justin Reeves
Chief executive, Hawthorn Football Club
Note: Hawthorn’s chief commercial officer Ash Klein has been appointed acting chief executive of the Australian Football League (AFL) club.
Yao Ming
Chairman, Chinese Basketball Association (CBA)
Notes: Yao, an eight-time National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star, has been replaced by Xu Jicheng.
