Yellow Panther has appointed experienced sports technology and commercial leader Jim Smith as Head of Growth, reinforcing the company’s ambition to accelerate its growth across sport, entertainment and lifestyle.
Smith brings more than 20 years’ experience spanning rights holders, global sports marketing agencies and sports technology businesses. He joins Yellow Panther’s senior leadership team to lead the company’s commercial strategy, develop new partnerships and support its continued expansion across sports governing bodies, leagues, clubs and federations.
His career has given him a unique perspective across the sports industry. Smith joined The Football League (now the EFL) as Head of Club Partnerships, working directly with clubs and gaining first-hand experience of the challenges faced by rights holders. He then spent almost six years at Lagardère Sports (now SPORTFIVE), helping sports organisations maximise the commercial value of their digital rights before moving into senior commercial and business development roles within sports technology.
Most recently, Smith spent six years at award-winning sports digital product and technology company Stadion, where he led the new business function, working with clubs, governing bodies and international federations on digital transformation programmes spanning websites, mobile apps, fan engagement, identity, OTT and customer data platforms.
The appointment reflects Yellow Panther’s continued investment in growth as demand increases for connected digital ecosystems that help sports organisations better engage supporters, grow revenues and own their customer relationships.
Stu Cope, Founder & CEO of Yellow Panther, said: “I’ve known Jim for many years and have always admired both his commercial ability and the breadth of experience he’s built across the sports industry. Having worked on the rights holder side, within one of the world’s leading sports marketing agencies and most recently in sports technology, he brings a unique perspective that aligns perfectly with where Yellow Panther is heading. We’re delighted to welcome him to the team and excited about what we’ll achieve together.”
James Smith added: “Throughout my career I’ve had the opportunity to see the sports industry from three very different perspectives – rights holder, commercial agency and technology partner. What attracted me to Yellow Panther was its ambition, its people and its ability to genuinely help sports organisations transform how they engage fans and grow commercially through technology.
The market is evolving rapidly, and sports organisations are looking for partners who can combine strategic thinking with outstanding products and delivery. I’m excited to be joining the team at such an important stage in the company’s journey and look forward to helping build the next phase of growth.”
