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.
Hawk-Eye turns to long-time executive to lead next growth phase
Hawk-Eye Innovations has promoted Ben Crossing to Chief Executive Officer, handing the leadership role to the veteran as the business enters a new chapter.
The hire, announced on 27 April, sees Crossing move up from his position as Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer at the Sony-owned company during its 25th year of operations.
Hawk-Eye is the leading global provider of video assistant referee (VAR) systems, goal-line technology and semi-automated offside solutions, which are used in the Premier League. Most recently, Hawk-Eye helped the MLB introduce robot umpires.
In addition to this, Hawk-Eye has expanded into areas such as performance data, biomechanics and broadcast services.
Crossing has spent more than a decade with the business and has been closely involved in its international growth, helping to improve both its technological capabilities and reach across multiple sports.
“What makes Hawk-Eye special is the trust we’ve built across the game, with players, teams, officials, and fans alike, and the responsibility that comes with it,” said Crossing.
“My focus is on pushing that even further, continuing to pioneer the sports technology market while driving the next wave of innovation across global sport.”
LA Sparks hire Johns to bring football growth model to WNBA
The Los Angeles Sparks have appointed Stacy Johns as President, bringing in an experienced sports executive with a background in scaling football clubs.
Announced on 28 April, Johns joins from the NWSL side Bay FC, where she served as CEO, and arrives in Los Angeles with a track record of building commercial and fan engagement strategies.
Her previous role as Chief Business Officer at LAFC and BMO Stadium is expected to influence her approach, having helped deliver major commercial milestones, including a record-breaking naming rights deal and contributing to the club’s billion-dollar valuation.
This experience is seen as particularly relevant as WNBA teams look to capitalise on rising interest and investment in women’s basketball.
The Sparks, one of the league’s most established franchises, are entering their 30th season amid wider momentum across the WNBA, with increasing focus on media rights, sponsorship and live event growth.
“This opportunity brings together two things that matter deeply to me – leading an iconic franchise at a pivotal moment for women’s basketball and being back in Los Angeles with my family full-time,” said Johns.
“Having been part of building something special at LAFC, I’ve seen what’s possible in this market, and I’m incredibly energised by the opportunity to help build something meaningful here.
Melbourne appoints Taylor as CEO following early Guerra exit
Melbourne Football Club has appointed Dan Taylor as its next Chief Executive Officer, following the departure of Paul Guerra less than a year into the role.
The decision, confirmed this week, sees Taylor move from his position with Stan to the executive team, after already serving as a non-executive director at the AFL club.
He is expected to formally assume the role in the coming months, with administrator Brian Cook serving as interim CEO in the meantime.
Guerra’s exit comes after just seven months, with the board noting a breakdown in confidence. The timing and handling of the decision have led to scrutiny.
Melbourne’s leadership has acknowledged that the decision to change direction carries risk, but views Taylor’s skill set as key to stabilising the organisation and supporting its commercial strategy.
“Sometimes you get one wrong, and we think we just got this one wrong,” said club President Steven Smith.
New Zealand Cricket appoints Allott as CEO amid leadership reset
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has named former international Geoff Allott as its new Chief Executive Officer, with the ex-player set to take up the role from 1 July.
The appointment follows the departure of Scott Weenink late last year and sees Allott return to the organisation, who has previously held senior operational and governance roles within NZC.
A former New Zealand fast bowler, Allott played 10 Tests and 31 ODIs before making the move into administration. His background includes time as NZC’s General Manager of Cricket and an eight-year stint on the board.
His return coincides with NZC’s push to modernise its domestic T20 structure, with the proposed NZ20 franchise competition identified as the preferred format. This also aligns with global trends, as boards around the world look to capitalise on investor interest and the commercial success of franchise leagues.
“We’re confident his playing background, institutional knowledge, business acumen, and international outlook make him exceptionally well placed to lead NZC through the next phase of growth and development,” NZC Chair Diana Puketapu-Lyndon.
Snapshot Moves
- West Ham United has appointed Karim Virani as interim CEO, a return to the club for the former executive who previously led its commercial and digital operations.
- World Table Tennis CEO Steve Dainton has stepped down from his role and board position effective 1 May 2026.
- ReachTV has named former Drone Racing League President Rachel Jacobson as CEO, as founder Lynnwood Bibbens becomes Executive Chair.
- London City Lionesses Managing Director Sarah Batters has left her role after two seasons, following a spell that included promotion to the WSL.
- Footballer Jack Grealish has announced he will continue his role as Principal Ambassador for Special Olympics GB for a further three years.
- Erling Haaland and Jürgen Klopp lead Budweiser’s “Let It Pour” 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
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 why Chelsea‘s sacking of Liam Rosenior as head coach added to mounting costs.
