OTT streaming service DAZN has hired Jamie Horowitz, a former ESPN and Fox Sports executive, to the newly-created role of executive vice-president of content for North America, according to multiple reports.
Horowitz will report to DAZN executive chairman John Skipper, having consulted for the service over the past nine months, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Horowitz and Skipper worked together at ESPN.
Skipper is said to have made the announcement in an email to staff on May 3. “In his new role, Jamie will oversee all content for the North American business, including live production, original programming, social content, editorial, and scheduling,” wrote Skipper. “The focus will be using content to acquire and retain subscribers.”
The Reporter said Horowitz’s hiring comes amid an investment of around $12m (10.7m) by DAZN’s North America business in new content. His remit will be to expand DAZN’s service beyond live rights.
In July 2017, Horowitz was fired as the head of programming at Fox Sports amid an internal investigation of harassment claims.