Voiceworks Sport makes three senior team appointments

Three new key appointments have been made by Voiceworks Sport to its senior leadership team.

Based in Manchester and backed by Communicorp UK, the sports audio company has hired Michael Holt as Director of Commercial Partnerships, Stefan Doyle as Head of Sport Social and Richard Herrick as Sport Partnerships Director.

The new appointments will focus on securing key commercial and rights holder partnerships, and growing Sport Social’s network of shows and creators.

Holt has over 20 years’ experience in audio and TV. He has previously worked in Commercial Director roles at Discovery Inc, TRACE and The Drum as well as sponsorship and strategy roles at Virgin Radio, Guardian Media Group and the Radio Advertising Bureau.

In his new role, he will be with developing new long-term brand and rights holders’ agreements for both Voiceworks Sport and Sport Social Podcast Network.

Doyle joins as Head of Sport Social, as former Head Jim Salveson takes up a new role of Director of Sport. Having previously worked across Bauer Media Group’s national portfolio and as a producer for Global, Doyle will work closely with Sport Social’s network of podcast creators to develop content and grow listener audiences.

Herrick, founder of Herrick Associates Sports Consultancy, has also been announced as Sales Director – Sport. He will be targeting new rights holder partnerships for both Voiceworks Sport and Sport Social.

Sophie Hind, Managing Director at Voiceworks Sport & Sport Social Podcast Network, said: “Over the last five years, the marketing and media space has moved on rapidly, and arguably audio more than any other medium.

“There’s an increasing demand from rights holders and sports clubs to reach fans in an authentic and engaging way, which we’re focused on helping them maximise.

“As the volume of brands and creators we work with grows, we’re investing in the team to meet the demand, in particular at a senior level. We’re excited to welcome the latest members of the team to the business, who bring a wealth of experience and talent with them.

“Michael, Richard and Stefan will play a key role in this next phase of growth for both Voiceworks Sport and Sport Social, particularly as we explore new commercial and creator partnerships both at home and abroad.”

Michael Holt, Director of Commercial Partnerships at Voiceworks Sport, added: “There is plenty of growth in the podcasting market, with a forecast sales value of $38.8bn globally by 2026, and with 50% of 12-34 year olds listening to podcasts every month there’s no sign of audiences slowing down.

“We’re increasingly seeing major brands want to tap into this opportunity, to integrate their key messaging in a uniquely intimate and powerful audio format with a highly engaged audience.

“Voiceworks Sport have already carved out a successful niche in this market, and I’m excited to join the team to help them grow this share even further.”