Steven
Saunders
Sports media executive with 15+ years leading cross-functional teams and strategies across global organisations including IMG, ESPN and Perform. A career built on audience growth, editorial leadership and operational excellence.
15+
Years Experience
Leading global sports media organisations
1M+
TikTok Growth
Followers achieved in nine months at ESPN UK
70+
Annual Live Events
Senior coordination across production and client teams
30
Team Size
Staff managed across EMEA territories at ESPN
About
Where Content, Audience, Systems and Stakeholders Align
My background combines editorial judgement, production understanding, operational discipline and digital growth thinking. I work well where content, audience, systems and stakeholders need to align — and where organisations are navigating change, scale or evolving audience demands.
Nominated as part of IMG's cohort for the Sports Industry Group's Leaders Club, I bring a track record of delivering measurable results across some of the world's most recognised sports media brands.
Explore My WorkAreas of Expertise
Six Disciplines. One Strategic Vision.
Each area of expertise is grounded in real-world delivery at the highest levels of sports media. Click any area to explore the full picture.
Content StrategyDigital Content Strategy & Audience Growth
Reshaping content ecosystems and growing audiences across platforms — from mobile-first editorial to record-breaking social performance.
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OperationsContent Operations & Workflow Transformation
Designing clearer systems, planning tools and operating models that reduce friction and scale delivery under pressure.
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ProductionSports Production Leadership & Major Event Delivery
Senior leadership across 70+ annual live events, managing risk, stakeholders and delivery standards at the highest level.
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AI & InnovationAI Readiness & Future-Facing Innovation
Practical innovation leadership — evaluating emerging tools responsibly and applying them where they improve quality and efficiency.
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LeadershipMulti-Market Editorial Leadership & Team Development
Building stronger teams, healthier editorial cultures and scalable leadership models across EMEA and European language markets.
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AdvisoryBrand, Community & Start-up Advisory
Helping founders and business leaders turn early-stage ideas into clearer priorities, stronger execution and a more focused growth model.
ExploreCareer
A Track Record Built at the Top
Director of Digital Content Production
IMG / European Tour Productions
Led digital content strategy across the DP World Tour; AWS workflow migration; 70+ annual live events.
Managing Editor, EMEA
ESPN | Disney
Led 30-strong EMEA team; grew TikTok to 1M+ followers in nine months; record revenue performance.
Events & Planning Lead
ESPN
Digital coverage of Wimbledon, Ryder Cup, Olympics and Rugby World Cup; led EMEA esports development.
Senior Editor
ESPN UK
Led ESPN's digital transition in the UK; mobile-first, video-driven editorial model.
Managing Editor, Europe
Goal.com / Perform
Led eight language editions across Europe; integrated operations post-Perform acquisition.
Get in Touch
Whether you want to discuss a project, share an opportunity, or simply connect, I would be glad to hear from you.
[email protected]