Sky Sports’ James Clement joins IMG as SVP of tech and operations

IMG has appointed former Sky Sports director of operations James Clement as senior vice president of tech & operations for its studios business.

In his new role, Clement will oversee the operations of IMG’s studio facilities in Stockley Park, London, including the broadcast operations, engineering and technical services. He will also be responsible for delivering the business’ production services to partners, including Premier League Productions, Euroleague, DP World Tour, EFL and MLS, whose broadcast operations are based at IMG’s studios, as well as growing IMG’s international production presence.

Clement joins IMG from Sky where he most recently served as director of operations for Sky Sports, delivering its remote production, automation and data-led models as well as on-screen developments including the new Monday Night Football (MNF) studio.

Whilst there he worked across a wide range of sports properties including the Premier League, EFL, WSL, Formula 1, UEFA Champions League, the Major Golf championships, US Open Tennis, NFL and NBA, among others. He brings nearly 25 years of experience working in broadcast engineering, including past roles in outside broadcasting at NEP Connect (formerly SIS Live) and 021 Television.

Clement said of his new job: “I’ve long admired IMG and have worked in partnership with its extremely talented teams since I joined the industry, and genuinely believe it is uniquely positioned to provide outstanding content to clients and partners across the sporting world. Our industry is under constant change, and I’m looking forward to bringing my commercial and operational experience along with a passion for sustainability and equity to this role.”

Barney Francis, EVP Studios, IMG added: “James is an exciting addition to lead the Tech and Operations team. He brings a global network and proven track record for technical delivery and innovation, and his position will be pivotal in helping us drive technical, operational and production excellence across the IMG studios business.”

IMG’s studio facilities are home to four studios, nine live galleries and more than 45 edit suites, which allow it to deliver more than 35,000 hours of content every year.

IMG produces live coverage of the Premier League, English Football League, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, CBS’ UEFA Champions League and Europa League coverage, DP World Tour, The Ryder Cup and ATP Tour.

Clement is a member of the SVG Europe advisory board.