Genius Sports bolsters board with two new additions

board of directors
Image: Shutterstock

Genius Sports has added two industry veterans to offer new expertise and experience to its Board of Directors.

Kenneth J Kay has been appointed Independent Director of the board, whilst Michael Messara has joined as an Independent Observer of the board.

Kay has also accepted the role of the Chair of the Audit Committee on the board, succeeding Harry You whilst also taking on the role of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. 

Kay has over 30 years of experience in financial and operational management, serving as CFO for several large companies such as Dole Food Company, CB Richard Ellis Group and Las Vegas Sands. Most recently, he was CFO of MGM Holdings.

Ken Kay commented; “This is an exhilarating time to join Genius Sports as it continues to transform the way the world experiences sport. I look forward to working closely with the board as the company enters the next phase of its journey as a global leader in sports data and technology.”

Messara, meanwhile, is the Co-Chief Investment Officer at Caledonia, a long-term shareholder in Genius. 

Previously in his career, he worked in equity research as an analyst at UBS AG, before joining Caledonia in 2006, where he rose to sit on the board of directors. He is also a NED at Arrowfield Pastoral Company. 

Michael Messara commented: “Since Caledonia first invested in Genius Sports, we have shared a strong commitment to continue building on Genius’s many successes and increasing shareholder value. With this new appointment, we look forward to deepening our relationship with the board, Mark and the whole Genius Sports team.”

David Levy, Genius Sports Chair of the Board, said; “We are delighted to have Ken join the Board and take the lead as our new Audit Chair. Ken’s diverse expertise and depth of knowledge will undoubtedly serve the Company extremely well as we continue to develop products and services that sit at the center of the sports data ecosystem.

“We are pleased to welcome Michael as an independent observer to our Board, demonstrating Caledonia’s continued support and commitment to Genius, as it has from our original listing.”