DELIA BUSHELL, the head of BT's multi-billion-pound TV and sport business, "has resigned, in the latest in a wave of senior media departures." Bushell joined BT three years ago to "head up its attack on Sky" as managing director of TV & sport. Sources said that Bushell, who previously worked at Sky Italia, "gave her notice soon after overseeing" BT’s successful £1.2B ($1.6B) bid in March to retain exclusive rights to live Champions League football. Colleagues "expect her to remain in her post until early June," when BT will broadcast the tournament’s final from Cardiff. Under her, BT’s TV business "expanded its range of live sport rights to include England’s Ashes cricket tour of Australia" (London TELEGRAPH, 5/6). ... Spanish Olympic Committee (COE) President ALEJANDRO BLANCO will continue leading the COE through '21. It was confirmed that Blanco will be the only candidate in the COE's presidential election, which will take place May 31. Blanco has been president of the organization since '05 (EL CONFIDENCIAL, 5/5). ... Former cricketer ARAVINDA DE SILVA will "withdraw from his role" as chair of the cricket committee at Sri Lanka Cricket at the end of next month "due to personal reasons." He will step down from the committee, which was formed in March last year, "due to commitments that could make it difficult for him to spend the required amount of time for the committee" (REUTERS, 5/6). ... London-based CSM Sport & Entertainment promoted ASHLEE HUFFMAN to GM of its North America motorsports practice. She will continue to be based out of CSM's Indianapolis office (CSM).
COACHES/MANAGERS: The South African FA announced STUART BAXTER will take charge of South Africa’s national football team “for a second time.” SAFA reached an agreement with Baxter’s current club, South African side SuperSport United, for the 63-year-old to continue with the team until July. The Briton replaces EPHRAIM MASHABA, who was “sacked last year” (BBC, 5/4). ... La Liga side Valencia coach VORO confirmed “he will step down at the end of the season.” He said, “The club told me that they are looking for a new coach” (BBC, 5/6). ... Chelsea confirmed on Saturday that development squad Manager ADI VIVEASH is "leaving after nine years at the club." Viveash has been made the "bookies' favourite" for the League One side "Swindon Town job." He will be replaced by 30-year old loan technical player coach JOE EDWARDS (London DAILY MAIL, 5/6).
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