Michael Holt joins as director of commercial partnerships, Stefan Doyle as head of sport social and Richard Herrick as sport partnerships director

Michael Holt Voiceworks Sport

Voiceworks Sport has made three appointments to its senior leadership team.

Michael Holt joins the podcasting company as director of commercial partnerships, Stefan Doyle as head of sport social and Richard Herrick as sport partnerships director. 

Holt joins after 20 years in audio and TV, including as commercial director at Discovery, and he will be tasked with developing new long-term brand and rights holders’ agreements for both Voiceworks Sport and its Sport Social Podcast Network.

Meanwhile, Doyle replaces Jim Salveson as head of sport social, with Salveson become director of sport. Having worked across Bauer Media Group’s national portfolio and as a producer for Global, Doyle will work with Sport Social’s network of podcast creators to develop content and grow listener audiences.

Finally, Herrick, founder of Herrick Associates Sports Consultancy, will target new rights holder partnerships for both Voiceworks Sport and Sport Social.

Sophie Hind, managing director at Voiceworks Sport & Sport Social Podcast Network, said: “Over the last five years, the marketing and media space has moved on rapidly, and arguably audio more than any other medium. There’s an increasing demand from rights holders and sports clubs to reach fans in an authentic and engaging way, which we’re focused on helping them maximise. As the volume of brands and creators we work with grows, we’re investing in the team to meet the demand, in particular at a senior level. We’re excited to welcome the latest members of the team to the business, who bring a wealth of experience and talent with them.

“Michael, Richard and Stefan will play a key role in this next phase of growth for both Voiceworks Sport and Sport Social, particularly as we explore new commercial and creator partnerships both at home and abroad.”

Holt added: “There is plenty of growth in the podcasting market, with a forecast sales value of $38.8bn (£34.5bn) globally by 2026, and with 50% of 12-34 year olds listening to podcasts every month there’s no sign of audiences slowing down. We’re increasingly seeing major brands want to tap into this opportunity, to integrate their key messaging in a uniquely intimate and powerful audio format with a highly engaged audience. Voiceworks Sport have already carved out a successful niche in this market, and I’m excited to join the team to help them grow this share even further.”