Joint Global MD Leaves Nielsen Sports

In the US, Nielsen Sports' Global Co-MD Danny Townsend has left the firm to become CEO of Sydney Football Club. Glenn Lovett, who previously shared the title, has been promoted to sole Global Managing Director, leading all aspects of the global sports business.

Nielsen Sports has had a busy month, acquiring Israel-based vBrand, which has developed a machine learning-enabled platform for real-time sports sponsorship measurement; and launching a video gaming analysis business called Nielsen Esports, to provide sponsorship valuation, fan insights, custom industry research and consulting services.

Lovett (pictured) and Townsend joined Nielsen Sports last year, following Nielsen's acquisition of sports measurement and intelligence provider Repucom. Townsend had worked for Repucom for the prior ten years, latterly as its Global Chief Revenue Officer; while Lovett joined in 2013 as President - Global Strategy & Consulting.

Townsend, who is a former Australian league soccer player, will remain with Nielsen Sports as a full-time employee until October 6th, and will be an advisor to the business until the end of the year. In a statement, the firm said it was 'extremely grateful' to Townsend for his 'countless contributions to the culture and performance of the business that helped make Nielsen Sports the leading sports data and insights company in the world'.

Web site: www.nielsen.com .