CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus has announced he plans to step down from his position in April 2024, with David Berson to replace him.
McManus joined CBS Sports as president in 1996 and played a key role in the broadcaster regaining the rights to the National Football League (NFL) in 1998. The US broadcaster has since expanded its portfolio considerably, adding properties such as the Uefa Champions League, the Masters and the Big Ten college sports conference.
“Leading CBS Sports has been an honour and I have been so fortunate to work with the most talented team in sports media, along with our incredible partners, for nearly three decades,” said McManus.
“It has been a fantastic run and the thrill of a lifetime. I am pleased to leave CBS Sports in an even stronger place than when I arrived, knowing that all of our marquee properties are locked up through this decade and beyond.”
Berson joined CBS Sports in 2011 and was elevated to the role of president in 2013. His role has included the responsibility of overseeing the broadcaster’s assets, as well as shaping the division’s strategic direction and leading its rights and talent acquisitions.
“David is a brilliant, innovative and passionate leader with deep knowledge and relationships in all areas of our business,” said George Cheeks, president and chief executive of CBS, and chief content officer of news and sports at Paramount+.
“He is highly respected across the industry by his peers, our partners and within CBS Sports and Paramount Global. Sean and David’s excellent partnership the past decade has positioned CBS Sports for this smooth transition.
“David is the ideal executive to lead the next chapter of this proud and storied division.”
Elsewhere, M&C Saatchi Sports & Entertainment has beefed out its leadership team. Lois Kettlewell, Jenny Mitton, Nicola Murray and Ross Watson have all been appointed as managing partners, while Bukola Garry has been named as its head of cultural impact.
Appointments
Rick Cordella
President, NBC Sports
Previously: President, sports programming, NBC Sports and Peacock
Eno Polo
Chief executive, Premier Padel
Previously: Chief executive, LeDap Group
Guido Fienga
Chief executive, Al Nassr
Gersson Rosas
Senior vice president of basketball operations, New York Knicks
Previously: Senior basketball adviser, New York Knicks
Faisal Al-Sabah
Vice president, sports and entertainment, Public Investment Fund (PIF)
Previously: Director, international business development, NFL
Barbara Bush
Head of social responsibility, National Basketball Association (NBA)
Alfie Brody
Chief brand and communications officer, National Basketball Players Association (NBPA)
Previously: Vice president of global marketing, Take-Two Interactive
Andrew Perlmutter
Chief executive, NBA 2K League
Previously: Chief strategy officer, ITRenew
Jordan Charlupski
Vice president, global brand partnerships, Professional Fighters League (PFL)
Previously: Director, property sales, Roc Nation
Gernot Bauer
Sports director of Ran, ProSiebenSat1
Previously: Head of sports for Germany, Warner Bros Discovery
Stephen Conroy
Chair, Australian Professional Leagues (APL)
Scott Smith
Non-executive director, Racecourse Media Group
Departures
Yoann Godin
Director of partnerships and global network, Professional Football League (LFP)
Note: Godin has become the chief executive of Ligue 2 club Valenciennes.
Adam Santo
Chief executive, Sydney FC
Brendan Donohue
President, NBA 2K League
Matt Pound
Managing director, World Table Tennis (WTT)
Tom Cortese
Chief product officer, Peloton
Note: Peloton has announced Nick Caldwell as Cortese’s replacement.
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