Pearce had been expected to retire after the tournament
ITV technical director Roger Pearce has passed away while working at the World Cup in Qatar.
ITV Sport presenter Mark Pougatch confirmed the news on air, saying: “We have some very sad news to bring you from here in Qatar. ITV’s Technical Director Roger Pearce, who was here embarking on his eighth World Cup has sadly passed away.
“Roger and his team are the brilliant people who bring the pictures into your homes and make it all happen. Roger was a hugely respected figure in the TV sports broadcasting industry.”
He added: “For ITV, he’s been instrumental in the logistical planning and delivery of Rugby World Cups as well as the football World Cups and the Euros.. He always had a smile on his face and left a smile on your face, he was utterly dedicated, professional, charming and hugely popular, he’ll be missed by so many people inside the industry and at home.”
Pearce started his career as an engineer at Grampian TV, working in studios and OBs, and also worked at other ITV regions in operations roles before moving to ITV Sport full time in 2001. He had been a part of the ITV Sport major events team since 1988.
Since 2007, Pearce had been technical director at ITV Sport, responsible for technical planning and operational management of major events such as the World Cup, Euros, and Rugby World Cup as well as other sport fixtures in F1, the Champions League, and more. After over 40 years in the industry, Pearce had been expected to retire after this tournament.
Niall Sloane, ITV director of sport, said: “The ITV Sport team are devastated by Roger’s passing.
“He was a brilliant technical director and a wonderful colleague and friend. His service to ITV for over 40 years was a testament to his loyalty to the company. Our thoughts are with his family and those closest to him.”
Image: ITV
2 Readers' comments