Misfits Gaming hires Matt Bailey for sales and partner relations

North American organisation Misfits Gaming has hired Matt Bailey as its Senior Director of Sponsorship Sales and Services.

Bailey is the first European-based senior commercial team hire for the organisation and will be responsible for global sales and partner relations.

RELATED: Misfits Gaming appoints Lagen Nash as VP of Partnerships

Bailey previously served as Chief Commercial Officer at InCrowd Sports, a UK-based agency that focuses on fan engagement and technology. He worked with the likes of ICC, Premiership Rugby, and football clubs to “create digital products” and “provide innovative ways for partners to engage with them” during his tenure there.

He also worked in consulting for IMG for over a decade, collaborating with rights holders and brands to maximise returns from sponsorships. This includes setting up the Indian Premier League, a franchised cricket league.

Ben Spoont, CEO and co-founder of Misfits Gaming discussed the new hire in a release: “Matt comes to us with the perfect combination of passion for esports, international experience, and expertise in cutting-edge digital marketing partnerships for traditional sports. We’re excited to have our new Senior Director of Sponsorship Sales based in London — as our Berlin office, the Alienware Center, and our LEC team are key parts of Misfits as a whole — and we look forward to further developing our business presence in Europe. Welcome to the Misfits family, Matt!”

RELATED: Ben Spoont explains Misfits Gaming’s belief in the franchise model

Bailey commented on his new venture: “I am thrilled to join Ben Spoont, Greg, and the team at Misfits Gaming at a time when both the organisation and esports as a whole are experiencing such rapid growth. The opportunity to create brand partnerships for Misfits Gaming that drive our global brand and business is hugely exciting and transferring my experience in working in international sports and entertainment to esports is a professional challenge that I can’t wait to start. I will look to leverage my background in sponsorship consulting to create partnership opportunities and relationships that make investment decisions easy for our current and future partners.”

Misfits Gaming is gearing up to announce the branding of its Florida Call of Duty League franchise, having announced its entrance into the title in August.

Esports Insider says: Bailey is clearly experienced in sponsorship sales and services in traditional sports so it’ll be interesting to see him bring his expertise across to esports. What’s to come is to be seen but this is an exciting hire for the organisation.

ESI Autumn Forum – Find out more