According to a company press release, digital media expert William Mao has joined Octagon as Vice President, Media Rights Consulting. The Global Media Rights Consulting group, launched earlier this year, provides strategic consultation to major domestic and international rights holders, broadcasters, digital distribution platforms and the sports investment community to “help clients determine the value of their content and optimize distribution opportunities across the cross-platform media landscape and shifting fan consumer patterns.”
Mao has various industry experience, most recently serving as the VP of Digital for international sports agency MP & Silva. According to his LinkedIn, he led the company’s expansion into the digital space. Prior to this role, he served as the Manager, Sports Content Partnerships at YouTube, where he developed the company’s college sports business thanks to key partnerships with the NCAA and major college conferences.
In his new role at Octagon, Mao will reunite with Senior Vice President, Media Rights Consulting Daniel Cohen, with whom he worked at MP & Silva.
“This is an exciting hire for Octagon. William offers our media consulting clients a fresh perspective on the landscape given his rich, global experiences working across sports media rights at YouTube Sports and MP & Silva,” said Cohen. “In particular, William’s expertise in the digital and social media space will provide our clients a clear strategy on how to maximize the value of their content and platforms as they look toward the future.”