Mike Slade: Internet and Sports Media Visionary Joins Personar as Senior Advisor

Mike Slade: A Pioneering Force in Sports Media

In a move set to reshape the future of sports media, Personar Ltd has recently appointed Mike Slade as Senior Advisor. With over 40 years in the intersection of technology, media, and sports, Slade’s experience is invaluable as Personar seeks to expand its AI sports audio intelligence offerings, including its flagship products, TrackSwift and CoachScribe.

A Legacy in Digital Sports

Mike Slade has been a pivotal figure in the evolution of digital sports media. As the CEO of Paul Allen's Starwave during the 1990s, he played a crucial role in launching several influential sports websites that remain cornerstones of modern sports media — ESPN.com, NBA.com, NFL.com, and NASCAR.com. This digital foundation laid the groundwork for how millions consume sports news and updates today.

Following the company's acquisition by The Walt Disney Company, Slade transitioned to serving as a strategic advisor to the tech titan Steve Jobs, becoming a key player at Apple and NeXT. His career began at Microsoft, where he was instrumental in the successful launch of flagship products like Excel and Microsoft Office.

Slade's diverse background and experience make him exceptionally qualified to guide Personar during this period of growth. At Personar, he will focus on refining the company's strategic direction, product positioning, and global expansion efforts, leveraging his wealth of knowledge from both the technology and sports sectors.

The Perfect Match for Personar

Personar, known for its innovative audio intelligence technology, seeks to disrupt the sports industry further by utilizing Slade’s extensive expertise. TrackSwift currently provides real-time audio analytics for elite sports organizations, including Formula 1 and the Premier League. CoachScribe, on the other hand, incorporates AI to provide actionable coaching insights across various sports.

Adrian Jones, CEO and Co-Founder of Personar, expressed his enthusiasm about bringing Slade on board, stating, “Mike helped invent the playbook for sports on the internet... Having someone who built ESPN.com and NBA.com in our corner is enormous.” Jones emphasizes that having an industry veteran who understands the nuances of building a category-defining product into a global business is crucial for Personar’s ambitions.

Slade’s Enthusiasm for the Future

Echoing Jones’s sentiments, Slade shared his excitement about joining Personar, noting that what the company is doing with audio intelligence is reminiscent of the innovative spirit from the early days of the internet. He remarked, “This technology represents a genuinely new layer of value in sport that nobody else is capturing yet.” His previous experience at Genius Sports, a leader in sports data and technology, equips him to understand how to integrate and scale Personar’s offerings effectively.

A Bright Path Ahead

With Slade's appointment, Personar is poised to leverage its cutting-edge technology to serve the global sports community better. The company’s development hub in Budapest and expansion across continents underline its ambition to tap into diverse markets. As Personar continues to power the operations of the world’s most demanding sports organizations, Slade’s insight and guidance will be instrumental to their success.

In conclusion, Mike Slade's entry into Personar is not just a significant hiring move; it signifies a resolute commitment to innovating how sports intelligence is captured and utilized. With his guidance, Personar looks forward to leading the charge in the evolution of sports media and technology, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the industry.