Voiceworks Sport scores hat trick of hires as it eyes further global growth

Voiceworks Sport (Voiceworks), a fast-growing sports audio business backed by Communicorp UK, has welcomed three new senior hires as it gears up for significant global growth.

Ruth Fitzsimons (pictured right) joins as Head of International with a remit to further expand Voiceworks and the Sport Social Podcast Network’s global strategy. Sport Social already holds the position of Europe’s largest sport-focused podcast network, Fitzsimons will be tasked with growing presence and relationships in new markets including publisher, rights holder and commercial partners. She is the former Managing Director of PodFront UK, a joint venture between podcasting companies Stitcher and Wondery, and previously held the role of Senior Vice President of Operations at Audioboom.

Chloe Yates (pictured left) joins Voiceworks commercial team as an Account Director from Sony Music where she worked across their podcast titles. She also brings audio and digital experience having worked agency side and at Bauer Media. Yates will hold responsibility for growing advertising revenue and integrated partnerships with talent via London media agencies and clients.

Sport Social also welcomes Laura Davies (pictured in centre) as Podcast Relationship Manager. Davies boasts considerable experience in the audio space, having held roles at Bauer Media Group and Wireless Group Ltd. Laura will be responsible for maintaining the highest levels of customer service for podcasters from onboarding through to implementation of commercial partnerships.

The trio of appointments come as the business celebrates a number of major milestones. In August, Sport Social announced two new global partnerships with the likes of BlueWire and ARN, expanding its reach in US and Australian markets. It also reached 9.5 million monthly downloads across its podcast network an increase of 276% year on year. These new appointments highlight the business’ dedication to its ongoing growth, as it continues to successfully establish itself as a global lead in audio solutions and content for sport.

Sophie Hind, Managing Director at Voiceworks Sport, said: “It’s a real testament to our recent growth and successes that we can attract such high calibre people to join the team. Ruth, Chloe, and Laura are all fantastic additions to the business and will be invaluable in helping us continue to develop and grow. Their collective experience will be particularly key in forging relationships with key brands, shows and advertisers as we look to enter new markets. We’re excited to welcome them to the team.”

Speaking about her new role, Ruth added: “I have been fascinated to watch the growth of Voiceworks Sport and Sport Social over the last two years. The business offers a truly unique content and commercial offering to the premium sporting world. In a highly competitive market, I’m looking forward to bringing this innovative approach to new markets in Europe and beyond. Having worked with the Sport Social team previously in my role at Podfront UK, I’m delighted to now be joining this strategic and dynamic team who are focused on ensuring growth for their content partners.”