Martin Aurenche becomes beIN VP sports content
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Rebecca Hawkes
| 10 December 2018

Qatar-based broadcaster beIN Media has appointed Martin Aurenche as vice president of sports content, in charge of its rights acquisitions and distribution around the world.

Aurenche has been with beIN since 2012, when its sports channel was first launched in France. His role entailed managing relationships with international rights holders and negotiating acquisitions.

This month Aurenche was part of the team responsible for securing Ligue 2 rights in France for a four year term, complimenting beIN’s existing rights to Ligue 1 for that period; and secured UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League rights until 2021 for pay-TV operator Digiturk, a subsidiary of beIN. He has also supervised multiple tender processes this year with major rights holders such as UEFA, the English Premier League and the International Handball Federation.

Martin Aurenche, a fully qualified lawyer, will now lead and manage beIN Media’s central acquisitions team globally. Working primarily between Paris, London and Doha, he will also focus on the group’s interests and operations in the Americas and Asia.

“I’m delighted to announce Martin’s appointment as vice president of sports content for beIN Media Group. I’ve worked closely with Martin over the past seven years and his knowledge, experience and reputation across the industry is second to none, and will be a real asset as we embark on the next phase of our international growth,” said **Yousef Al-Obaidly, CEO, beIN Media Group.

Expressing his delight at his new role, Martin Aurenche, vice president of sports content, beIN Media, said: “During my time with the group it’s been an honour to see and help it transform into the leading sport and entertainment network that it is today. I look forward to continuing to work with our teams to strategically invest in premium rights in existing and new markets so we continue to deliver value for our partners and – most importantly – give our subscribers the best content and viewing experience on the market.”