Mumbai, India – January 21, 2014 – One of the world’s most innovative sports solutions companies, Sportz Interactive has announced Arvind Iyengar as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer. The move was architected by the company’s Founder-CEO Naveen Aranha, who now transitions to a role focused on global partnerships and growth.
Iyengar comes with an impressive track record, having worked across continents with the likes of McKinsey & Company, ESPN STAR Sports, the NBA and one of the world’s leading private equity firms, KKR (Kohlberg, Kravis & Roberts). An alumnus of IIT Bombay, Arvind completed his MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where he was a Siebel Scholar and an inaugural recipient of the Reliance Dhirubhai Ambani Fellowship. He also holds the distinction of being the first Indian to win the Henry Ford II Scholarship for finishing top of his class at Stanford.
“I’ve known Arvind for a while and he is absolutely inspirational. I’m delighted that we were able to attract him with the challenge of leading Sportz Interactive through an era filled with growth and opportunities,” said Aranha who will continue to stay fully involved with the business he founded in 2002. “Arvind comes in to complement the vision and dreams of the Sportz Interactive family. Every member of the team is excited and geared up for the future.”
Iyengar, who has a deep passion for sport, had this to say about his appointment: “Naveen and the team have done a fantastic job driving stellar growth over the past decade. Built on a strong foundation with innovation at its core, Sportz Interactive is now well positioned to create the next generation of products and solutions that will revolutionize the fan experience. I am excited to lead the team in our next phase of growth.”
Sportz Interactive, which is an integral part of the Chicago-headquartered STATS Global Network, has aggressive expansion plans for 2014 and promises to redefine the sports fan experience in the coming months. “This year is filled with multiple marquee sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup. We will be working with our partners and clients around the world to bring out a suite of offerings across digital, mobile and social platforms. Our emerging products spanning second screen experiences, fantasy sports and infographics are going to be game changers,” the new CEO said.
Gary Walrath, CEO of STATS LLC, which owns a controlling interest in Sportz Interactive, added: “Naveen has done a fabulous job leading Sportz Interactive since its founding in 2002 to their current pole position in South Asia today. We’re delighted that Arvind will guide Sportz Interactive forward from an already strong, profitable foundation to achieve its full potential as the unrivaled pacesetter in its chosen markets. STATS is proud to be closely associated with these two dynamic thought leaders and eager to help bring new product capabilities to sports fans everywhere.”
Iyengar’s appointment coincided with the unveiling of a new corporate logo and vision at the Sportz Interactive headquarters in Mumbai, India which houses close to 100 employees.