French public-service broadcaster France Télévisions has named Laurent-Éric Le Lay, the former chairman and chief executive of international sports broadcaster Eurosport, as its new sports director.
Le Lay is to begin his new role on October 1 and will replace Daniel Bilalian, who will remain with the broadcaster for a short period to oversee the transition.
Le Lay has a host of experience across the broadcast industry and most recently served as president and chief executive of the TF1 Publicité arm of French media company TF1 Group, from June 2013 to May 2016. He also spent 14 years as director of sports acquisitions at TF1.
The 49-year-old served as chairman and chief executive of Eurosport from October 2006 to May 2013, prior to which he was director of Eurosport France for two years.
Le Lay also spent time as director of Eurosport Enterprises from 1993 to 2001.
France Télévisions holds rights to a number of sports properties, including cycling showpiece the Tour de France and the French Open grand slam tennis tournament.