Play Sports Group enlists Wayne Brown as MD ahead of huge growth

Play Sports Group – which is the digital sports media company behind market-leading cycling brands Global Cycling Network and Global Mountain Bike Network – has employed Wayne Brown in the role of managing director.

Brown’s appointment follows the recent investment in the business from discovery communications – the global media and entertainment group and owner of Eurosport, who took a 20 per cent stake in the company; Brown will be reporting to the founder and CEO Simon Wear. Brown will also sit on the group level Board.

In the role, he will work across the whole company with a brief to build the group’s brands, revenues and capabilities, supporting the plan to rapidly scale the business. Play Sports Group will be launching further channels in cycling and across other sports, hiring up to 150 people for newly created digital and creative roles over the next two years – predominantly based at its headquarters in Bath UK, where Brown will also be based, as well as a small number based in new international offices.

Founder and CEO of Play Sports Group Simon Wear commented: “We have big plans for the Play Sports Group, so attracting someone like Wayne with a proven track record in establishing and growing digital businesses is a hugely important step towards us achieving our vision. Wayne brings with him a unique blend of advertising, media, data and technology experience that I believe will propel our business, and our clients’ businesses.”

Brown added: “Simon and the team have a huge ambition and vision for the business: they are fast, agile and entrepreneurial with a deep passion for what they do. It’s infectious and I am excited to be a part of the Play Sports Group going forward. The way they are blending culture and commerce – creating content that really matters to people, that is connected, interactive and moves the needle for brands – is a compelling proposition.”