Forward Associates has appointed Joe Matson to head up a newly established Immersive Experience division, which will explore ways venues can monetise their digital fanbase. Matson most recently spent more than five years working as the creative director at Gallant Rogue, with responsibility for creating cinematic virtual, augmented and mixed reality content for the entertainment industry.
Roy Westwood, founder of Forward Associates said: “Venue owners currently generate income through ticket sales, broadcasting and commercial income, but the rise of the metaverse, VR and AR could offer significant new revenue streams.”
The LA Galaxy Major League Soccer team has confirmed its new senior management team. Tom Braun (pictured centre) will be president of business operations and chief operating officer, while Urel Martinez (pictured right) will serve as chief revenue officer. Dan Beckerman, president and CEO of AEG, which owns the franchise, confirmed that Braun and Martinez will work alongside chief creative and brand officer Will Misselbrook (pictured left).
“We are excited to formalize this new structure that will provide tremendous opportunity to key members of our proven leadership team with the LA Galaxy,” said Beckerman. “Tom continues to rise as a business leader in our organization, and along with Urel and Will, we are confident will enhance our internal culture and lead our business operations strategically forward in new and innovative ways.”
Jay Voelker, the former senior vice president of business development at golf’s PGA Tour, has been appointed president of Crown Properties Collection (CPC), a new entity formed through a collaboration between Madison Square Garden Entertainment, Sphere Entertainment and Oak View Group. CPC will manage partnerships with sports and entertainment brands and venues worldwide.
Dawn Gore has been appointed as chief executive of English League One football club Peterborough United. Gore has been with the club for the past nine years as head of finance and was recently appointed to the board of directors, alongside head of football operations, Liz Elsom.
Luis Rubiales has resigned as president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following criticism for kissing Spain forward Jenni Hermoso at last month’s Fifa Women’s World Cup final presentation ceremony. Pedro Rocha will serve as acting president.
