Welcome to Sideline Moves, Insider Sport’s weekly roundup spotlighting the key moves shaping the business of sport.
Every Friday, we bring you the latest executive appointments, strategic hires, boardroom shifts, and behind-the-scenes deals from across the global sports industry – all in one place.
Independent Football Regulator makes five new hires
The UK‘s Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has appointed five new non-executive directors, each for a five-year term starting 18 February.
Launched following the Football Governance Bill in July 2025, the IFR is chaired by David Kogan and was created to ensure transparency, financial sustainability and governance across the English football pyramid.
The new appointments, Mark McCafferty, Kevin Miles, Justine Roberts, Tara Warren, and Linda Yueh, bring a mix of experience from sport, business, media and governance.
McCafferty chairs Warwickshire County Cricket Club and the England and Wales Cricket Board’s Professional Game Committee. He has also held executive roles at Premiership Rugby, Thomas Cook Group and Avis Europe.
Miles, Chief Executive of the Football Supporters’ Association, has led fan engagement and anti-racism initiatives across English and European football and was awarded an OBE in 2024.
Roberts is Founder of Mumsnet and Gransnet, with a track record in digital communities and senior board roles including the English Football League.
Warren brings 17 years of experience in elite sport, including leadership roles at West Ham United and West Ham United Women, as well as governance positions in the Premier League and Women’s Super League.
Lastly, Yueh is an economist and lawyer with board roles including Standard Chartered and The Schiehallion Fund and has advised government on trade, finance, and culture.
Non-executive directors are remunerated £20,800 per year for an expected commitment of one day per week.
Lon Rosen returns to Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers have named Lon Rosen as President of Business Operations, marking a return to the NBA franchise where he began his career.
Rosen joins from the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he has served as executive vice president and chief marketing officer since 2012. During his time at the baseball franchise, the Dodgers recorded consistent revenue growth and led Major League Baseball in attendance over multiple seasons.
He succeeds Tim Harris, who recently told colleagues he would step down after more than three decades with the organisation.
While replacing Harris will not be easy, the Lakers believe Rosen’s experience and familiarity with the team’s culture make him the right fit. Rosen first joined the Lakers while still in college, interning in the front office before moving on to agency and executive roles in sports business.
“I’m beyond grateful to Jeanie and Mark for trusting me with this incredible opportunity. As everyone knows, the economics of the sports business are constantly changing – and they will continue to do so,” Rosen said.
“But, at root, my job is a simple one: figuring out how to do right by our employees and our partners while ensuring that the Lakers continue to provide an unparalleled experience for our fans in Los Angeles and around the world.”
Aurenche departure adds to LFP Media leadership churn
French Professional Football League (LFP) Media has confirmed the departure of Senior Director of Media Martin Aurenche, who’s the second exit from the organisation in recent weeks.
Aurenche was responsible for key elements of the league’s media-rights activity, spanning both domestic and international markets and was part of the senior team involved in rolling out Ligue 1+, the direct-to-consumer platform.
His departure follows the exit of former Director General Nicolas de Tavernost, who announced earlier this month that he would step down after tensions linked to the league’s broadcast strategy.
Before joining LFP Media, Aurenche spent more than a decade at beIN Sports, where he served as VP of sports content.
The latest leadership change comes at a sensitive moment for the league’s media operations, with Ligue 1+ positioned as a key revenue driver following the collapse of previous domestic rights agreements.
While the circumstances of Aurenche’s exit have not been explained, the back-to-back senior departures are expected to attract scrutiny on LFP Media’s strategy as it works to reassure clubs over the long term value of its broadcast model.
New Zealand Rugby adds two execs to senior team
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has appointed Chris Kinraid as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chris Brown as Chief Commercial Officer.
In a public statement on 16 February 2026, NZR Chair David Kirk said the hires followed a competitive recruitment process, with both roles attracting “high-quality” candidates.
“After a thorough process, the board is confident these appointments strengthen the capability of our executive team to deliver a successful, growing and profitable organisation,” Kirk said.
Brown joins from McDonald’s Australia, where he served as chief customer officer and chief marketing officer. He previously held senior roles at R/GA and DDB Group, bringing experience across brand marketing sponsorship and digital strategy.
Kinraid was most recently chief executive of Hallenstein Glasson Holdings and previously group CFO at KMD Brands.
NZR also confirmed interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Steve Lancaster will remain in the role while the board continues its search for a permanent CEO. Kirk said Lancaster “is doing an excellent job leading NZR through a period of transition” and has the board’s full support.
Reebok brings Manu Bhaker on board as India ambassador
Reebok has added Olympic shooter Manu Bhaker to its ambassador roster in India as the brand looks to strengthen its footprint in the region.
Bhaker enjoyed a breakthrough at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where she secured two bronze medals in the women’s 10m air pistol and mixed team events. Reflecting on her approach to performance, she noted every result begins long before competition day.
“Training, focus, and belief shape everything I do, and that’s what connects me with Reebok,” Bhaker said. “I’m proud to represent a brand that stands for preparation and backs athletes through every phase of the journey.”
Reebok has increasingly supported female athletes across multiple sports in recent years, including a partnership with the Women’s National Basketball Association in 2024 and individual deals with players such as DiJonai Carrington.
Arjun Ramamoorthy, Brand Head at Reebok India, said: “Manu Bhaker represents the future of Indian sport – focused, fearless, and deeply committed to the work behind performance.”
Snapshot Moves
- Tom Brady signs Olivia “Livvy” Dunne as investor and influencer for NoBull, his Boston-based athletic footwear and apparel brand.
- Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra stars in Choice Gaming’s debut crash game, Evra Crash.
- Huddle hires Iain Hutchison as Senior VP to lead commercial strategy and global expansion in sports betting.
- Gout Gout becomes VEGEMITE’s newest ambassador as the brand launches ‘Makes ‘Em Mitey’ campaign.
- Ticketing platform Attend names Adam Grow Chief Strategy Officer to drive growth and fan engagement innovation.
- Nick Hockley joins BatFast as Global CEO to lead international expansion and growth strategy across new markets.
We’re spotlighting the movers and shakers shaping the sports business every Friday.
Submit your people moves to Insider Sport’s Business Journalist, Kieran O’Connor, at [email protected] to be featured in the next edition of Sideline Moves.
Catch up on last week’s Sideline Moves to read about how England’s men’s national football team fended off clubs to keep Thomas Tuchel in charge until UEFA EURO 2028.
