DAZN Group has appointed Shay Segev as its sole CEO amid plans to add sports betting and e-commerce opportunities for end users to its flagship sports streaming service.

Segev first joined DAZN in June of last year as co-CEO alongside the business’ co-founder James Rushton. He arrived from FTSE 100 operator Entain, where he spent five years in executive roles, including four as COO to Kenny Alexander and one year as the firm’s chief executive.

As of today (17 January), Segev will take sole charge of DAZN, the over-the-top subscription video streaming company that pitches itself as the sports version of Netflix.

While pursuing global expansion and broadcast rights across multiple sports and markets, DAZN is also keen to explore sports betting opportunities.

Shortly after arriving from Entain, Segev persuaded Ian Turnbull to join the business from Amazon Web Services (AWS) as EVP of betting and gaming.

It remains unclear which path DAZN will take to enter the sports betting arena. The only certainty is that it will do so, as reinforced by DAZN chairman Kevin Mayer below.

He said: “DAZN has become the global leader in sports streaming in just five years and it is time to take this business to the next level.

“Shay’s technology background and outstanding history of delivering a strong performance culture will be hugely beneficial as DAZN introduces additional interactive fan engagement services such as betting and e-commerce for users to enjoy alongside our core offering of live sports streaming,” he added.

Former co-CEO Rushton will continue with his existing responsibilities and will be tasked with overseeing growth in local markets, rights and content.

Meanwhile, Darren Waterman has joined DAZN as CFO from Amazon, where he worked as a finance director for Prime Video for more than six years. He will be based in London.

Waterman replaces Stuart Epstein, who will continue in the role of senior adviser to and member of the DAZN board after the transition process is complete.

DAZN was founded in 2015 and is owned by the UK’s richest man, Ukrainian-born Sir Leonard Blavatnik, who according to the Sunday Times Rich List 2021 has amassed a personal fortune of £23bn.

According to Reuters, DAZN could this month tie up an $800m deal for Premier League and UEFA Champions League rights holder BT Sport.

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