SWI Group Forms Strategic Advisory Board to Expand Focus on Sports and Entertainment

On April 3, 2025, SWI Group, the newly established alternative investment platform created by Stoneweg Group and Icona Capital, announced the formation of a Strategic Advisory Board. This initiative aims to enhance the Group’s focus on engaging more actively in opportunities related to sports and entertainment.

Leading the charge are Max-Hervé George and Jaume Sabater, Co-CEOs of SWI Group, who have successfully assembled an impressive team ready to provide strategic advice and guidance on business strategy and development. Their goal is to tap into the robust potential of the sports and entertainment sectors.

Board Members and Their Backgrounds

The board will be chaired by Arnaud de Puyfontaine, the Chairman of Vivendi, who will serve as the non-executive chairman. His extensive experience in global media has been recognized with various leadership roles in significant companies including Emap, Schibsted, and Canal+, paving the way for SWI Group to benefit from his insights and strategic direction.

Joining Puyfontaine on the board are renowned figures such as Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc and former FC Barcelona footballer Andrés Iniesta. Both athletes will lend their expertise to the development of SWI's business in the sports and entertainment field, reflecting the founders' commitment to integrating sports and cultural opportunities into their investment strategy.

Additionally, experts Frédéric Vasseur, Olivier Jollin, and Simon Benhamou will focus on the Group's business strategy and development, bringing together successful careers in strategy, finance, and real estate. This diverse expertise aims to lend fresh perspectives on challenges ahead while identifying future opportunities.

The Vision for SWI Group

Max-Hervé George and Jaume Sabater emphasized the significance of uniting talents, skills, and the extensive international network of these leaders, stating, "This strategic advisory board will enhance the opportunities presented to SWI Group and contribute meaningfully to our growth trajectory."

Puyfontaine added, "SWI Group combines an entrepreneurial spirit with the necessary capital access for long-term profitability. I am excited to participate in this venture and contribute to discovering high-potential opportunities across various industries."

Leclerc, sharing his enthusiasm, noted, "Being part of the Strategic Advisory Board of SWI Group is an exciting opportunity to be part of a meaningful business journey."

Iniesta expressed his long-standing relationship with Jaume and his eagerness to join the team, indicating strong personal connections within the board's composition.

Additionally, Simon Benhamou from CBH International Banking Group remarked on the power of merging Icona Capital and Stoneweg to create a robust alternative investment firm, and the promising synergy this brings for future growth.

Olivier Jollin from OJO Group stated, "I am thrilled to support the Group's ambitions in real estate, finance, and now in the thrilling sectors of sports and entertainment. I am looking forward to being part of this innovative platform."

Future Implications

The Strategic Advisory Board will function as a collaborative and exclusive advisory group to SWI Group. It will facilitate connections with new investors and institutions across various sectors, including sports, finance, education, health, social development, and arts and culture. This alignment is poised to open new avenues for SWI Group to explore substantial investment opportunities.

About SWI Group

SWI Group operates as an alternative investment platform with a diverse entrepreneurial spirit, engaging in various sectors including data centers, real estate, credit, and finance. The firm's investment strategies rely on comprehensive research and in-depth market knowledge, enabling them to implement efficient strategies to maximize profitability.

Currently, SWI Group manages assets exceeding €10 billion and boasts over 350 employees across 26 offices worldwide. With this new strategic direction, SWI Group is set to redefine its market presence while contributing significantly to the sectors it invests in.