DAZN taps Stewart Walker for EVP global rights partnerships

Sports streamer DAZN has announced the hire of Stewart Walker EVP global rights partnerships.

In this role, Walker – who previously served as head of corporate development for Africa – will be responsible for delivering and executing the group’s joint-venture partnerships, including FIBA Media, WTA Media, FC Diez Media, Matchroom Boxing USA, Matchroom Boxing Italy and the European Handball Federation (EHF). 

The company says that through these partnerships, Stewart will drive DAZN Group’s long-term strategy to enhance the commercialization of rights, improve the quality of broadcast coverage and grow new audiences for sport worldwide, as well as identify new partnership opportunities. 

Walker will report directly to chief commercial officer, Jacopo Tonoli. 

Stewart joins DAZN from beIN SPORTS where he has been heading up their global media rights sales for the past four years, driving international rights sales and distribution across rights holders, significantly growing key revenues. 

Stewart said: “DAZN Group has built a unique opportunity to enhance the commercial opportunities for sport around the world, through these exciting partnerships. As some of these entities begin to come to fruition, I look forward to leading the global partnerships team and playing a key role in growing these joint ventures further to support our federation partners and engage a new generation of fans.” 

Tonoli added: “Stewart will build on the great work the Partnerships team have already achieved this year. I’m confident with his background and expertise he will continue to drive our Global Partnerships side of the business to the next level and support the ongoing success of DAZN Group.”