Apple exec to join DAZN next month

DAZN has appointed Apple exec Ben King as its senior vice president of global distribution and business development as it looks to extend its live and on-demand streaming service into new markets.

King will join DAZN in February having spent 12 years at Apple working across the iTunes Store, the App Store and Apple Music.

Most recently, he was the commercial director for International Services, taking responsibility for business insights and development, strategic partnerships and content licensing outside the US.

He is said to have played a “pivotal role” in driving the growth of Apple Music.

In his new role, King will help DAZN to “drive growth strategy and build best-in-class commercial and distribution partnerships with the world’s leading platforms, telecom operators, retailers, brands and portals,” the company said.

His new boss, John Gleasure, the chief business development officer, said: “Ben’s global experience and insight-driven approach will enable DAZN to grow faster and stronger as we extend our business deeper into both existing and new markets.”

King himself said: “Live sport may be the last holdout of the digital media revolution, but I have no doubt about the benefits of bringing fans closer to their favourite teams and sport stars through a more user-friendly, convenient and affordable service. The potential is staggering.”

DAZN is currently available in Japan, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, Italy and the US. It is due to launch in Brazil and Spain in early 2019.

The company has a stated ambition is to be in 20 markets by 2020.