Genius Sports announces two new board appointments

Their appointments will take effect on 8 March.

Kay has been appointed as an independent director of the board. He will also accept the role of chair of the audit committee – succeeding Harry You – and will serve as a member of the board’s nominating and corporate governance committee.  

Most recently, Kay held the role of CFO at MGM Holdings. He also held CFO roles with a number of companies, including Dole Food Company, CB Richard Ellis Group Inc and Las Vegas Sands Corporation. Kay also had board and audit committee experience through his time on the board of Summit Hotel Properties.

“This is an exhilarating time to join Genius Sports as it continues to transform the way the world experiences sport,” said Kay. “I look forward to working closely with the board as the company enters the next phase of its journey as a global leader in sports data and technology.” 

Kay is set to receive compensation in line with the company’s director compensation policy.

David Levy, chair of the Genius Sports board, said that Kay’s experience will benefit how Genius operates.

“We are delighted to have Ken join the board and take the lead as our new audit chair,” said Levy. “Ken’s diverse expertise and depth of knowledge will undoubtedly serve the company extremely well as we continue to develop products and services that sit at the centre of the sports data ecosystem.”  

Messara is joining the board as an independent observer. Messara is the co-chief investment officer at Caledonia Investments, a shareholder in Genius Sports.

Messara joined Caledonia in 2006 after beginning his career as an analyst in equity research with UBS AG in Sydney. Additionally, he sits on Caledonia Investments’ board of directors as well as being a non-executive director of Arrowfield Pastoral Company.

“Since Caledonia first invested in Genius Sports, we have shared a strong commitment to continue building on Genius’ many successes and increasing shareholder value,” said Messara. “With this new appointment, we look forward to deepening our relationship with the board, Mark and the whole Genius Sports team.” 

Levy added: “We are pleased to welcome Michael as an independent observer to our board, demonstrating Caledonia’s continued support and commitment to Genius, as it has from our original listing.”

Last month, Genius Sports agreed to a data distribution deal with XFL.