Skipper (l) said he had a good chance to get to know Denyer (r) over the last 30 daysperform group
Perform Group CEO SIMON DENYER said this week's announced hire of former ESPN President JOHN SKIPPER as Perform Group Exec Chair arrived after only about a month of talks. While Skipper's responsibilities will span globally, Denyer said he will also be a key figure in Perform's intent to acquire more U.S. sports rights. "John's very focused on getting back to work and the job at hand," Denyer said. "We've obviously talked about (Skipper's departure from ESPN), but he's worked through his issues, and we are very enthused about what we can do together" (Eric Fisher, Staff Writer).
BACK AT IT: Skipper said, "It seemed like a great opportunity. I had the chance to get to know (Denyer) a little bit over the last 30 days. I was a big admirer of what Perform had been doing the last few years. I knew the company and what they were doing quite well. I was anxious to get back in and doing something that mattered." In a Q&A with SPORTING NEWS' Evan Sporer, Skipper added, "I love a company that's ground in content, right? And that's where this company started. ... The moving quickly to establish in important countries online streaming of sports is brilliant, and it's a model we intend to replicate around the world." More Skipper: "The challenges in the United States are that the rights available are limited and there will be incumbent players that are quite strong and will have good product. What we have to do is be nimble." When asked what it takes to be successful in this business, Skipper replied, "I'm a big fan of ESPN's. I was there, I loved it, I think there are smart people there and they'll do a great job. There is certainly room for a second company to also do a great job" (SPORTINGNEWS.com, 5/10).
