Breaking News: Big Shakeup at Matchroom: Eddie Hearn Replaces Dad Barry as Chairman

Article by Rick Mohamed

Matchroom was built by Barry Hearn OBE, who now steps down to be an advisor, while son Eddie is the new chairman

Matchroom Sport Group of Companies Chairman Barry Hearn OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) officially stepped down from his position, allowing his son Eddie Hearn to take over. Barry Hearn will continue with the company as an advisor dealing with event strategy and global development. Barry’s daughter and Eddie’s sister Katie Hearn will become CEO of Matchroom Media.

In addition, Steve Dawson will become Chairman of World Snooker, after the Snooker World Championships are completed this year; and Matthew Porter becomes Chairman of Matchroom Multisport.

Eddie has been the very active face of the Matchroom brand as Group Managing Director. His 2018 $1 billion deal with the DAZN network to stage 16 high quality fights per year in the U.S.. firmly planted him directly in the public eye and in chief boxing circles. He now becomes the chairman of the entire group of Matchroom companies. His official title is Chairman of the Group of Companies and Chairman of Matchroom Sport, Professional Darts Corporation, Matchroom Boxing, Matchroom Boxing USA, Matchroom Media and the PGA EuroPro Tour.

Barry Hearn started Matchroom as a sports promotions company back in 1982. He started first with snooker, then with boxing. He turned the company over the years into a global promotions giant, including darts, tenpin bowling and pool and about a dozen different sports.

This innovative magnate turned several niche sports into TV mainstays using his ideas. Later, he headed PDC when he acquired a major interest in it, then headed snooker, building these companies into greater entities than before.
Barry Hearn OBE released his final address as chairman:

“It has been a huge honour to have worked with some of the greatest sports people on the planet across the last 40 years and enjoyed so many wonderful experiences across our spectrum of events in that time, from snooker’s glory days of the 1980s to record-breaking boxing shows and the incredible growth of professional darts, as we have created opportunities for thousands of sportsmen and women during that time.

“Great challenges have been met, but none more so than the Covid pandemic. I have been determined to stay in charge until this disaster passed and now there is light at the end of the tunnel and I believe it is the right time to pass control of Matchroom to my son Eddie and the brilliant teams we have assembled across all our activities.

“I shall continue to be available to all Matchroom companies as non-executive President, an advisory role concentrating on group strategy and global expansion, but Eddie will be elevated to Group Chairman with overall responsibility for the entire group.

“I could not be prouder of the Matchroom Group of Companies and the outstanding teams that operate in a highly competitive marketplace. Matchroom has grown from two employees operating in an office under a snooker hall in Romford in 1982, to the global powerhouse it is today due to the efforts and performances of all our staff, contractors, broadcasters, and partners.

“I know the company is in good hands with Eddie at the helm and with my daughter Katie heading up Matchroom Media, Matt Porter at the PDC, Frank Smith at Matchroom Boxing, Emily Frazer at Matchroom Multi Sport, Steve Dawson my Chief Executive for over 30 years and Dan Godding at the PGA EuroPro Tour, along with all their teams.

“Now is the time to give all Matchroom employees the opportunity to take this great British company to the next level and beyond.”

Eddie added:

“Anyone that knows me is well aware of what Matchroom means to me and our family. It has a legacy that spans 40 years from a small office under a snooker hall in Romford to a global powerhouse of sports entertainment. My father has dedicated his life to the company and since I joined in 2004 I have done the same. Now a greater responsibility falls on my shoulders and I am very proud to continue his great work and lead the business and the incredible team that we have built at Matchroom. We have seen astounding growth in the last ten years but we have only just begun. I look forward to continuously evolving and continuing the global growth of this astonishing family business.”

Congratulations to Matchroom, Barry Hearn OBE, Eddie Hearn and their entire company. Keep up the great work! LETSGOCHAMP!!

#THEBRAWLERSSPORTSBOXINGSHOW

LETSGOCHAMPS!

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Brawlers Sports Media is a media company that built their level of reporting boxing news to all the boxing fans out there from ground zero. CEO Rick Mohamed vows to deliver top quality content and one on one interviews as well as articles for the boxing communities’ entertainment.

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