Genius Sports appoints ex-Las Vegas Sands CFO to board

Genius Sports has appointed former Las Vegas Sands (LVS) CFO Kenneth Jay and Caledonia Investments head Michael Messara to the company’s board of directors.

Jay has been named as an independent director, a member of the nominating and corporate governance committee and chair of the audit committee. Messara will join the board as an independent observer.

Both appointments will be effective from 8 March.

Kay currently serves as CFO at MGM Holdings and previously served as the finance chief at the largest publicly listed gambling company LVS between 2008 and 2013.

Kay also spent time as CFO at the Dole Food Company and CB Richard Ellis Group.

As part of his appointment, Kay will receive compensation in accordance with the company’s director compensation policy.

Elsewhere, Messara is the co-chief investment officer at Caledonia Investments, a long-term shareholder in Genius Sports.

Speaking on the pair’s appointment, Genius Sports chair David Levy said: “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.

“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.”

Kay commented: “This is an exhilarating time to join Genius Sports as it continues to transform the way the world experiences sport. 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.”

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