The former Viaplay content chief joins the racing media rights business as it seeks to harness technology and innovation to attract new audiences

Racetech people moves

Racecourse Media Group (RMG) has appointed Filippa Wallestam as non-executive director. She joins on 1 April.

Wallestam spent nine years at Viaplay, where she held various roles, including EVP and chief content officer, EVP and CEO of Sweden, and head of strategy for free-TV and Radio.

RMG is the holding company responsible for a range of media rights management businesses involving 37 racecourse shareholders.

The businesses include Racing TV (Pay TV coverage from 35 British and all 26 Irish racecourses); GBI Racing (international broadcast service formed via a joint venture with ARC) and Racecourse Data Company (a joint venture between 59 UK racecourses for the licensing and control of Pre-Race Data).

RMG has streaming integrations with over 60 brands in the UK and Ireland. Content from 36 UK racecourses is also broadcast in 6,500 shops in UK and Ireland.

Wallestam, who holds other non-executive roles with DMGT Group (owner of the Daily Mail) and Storytel, said: “I am excited to join the RMG Board at this pivotal time and am inspired by the company’s ambition to maximise opportunities for the sport of horse racing. As a horse lover, the most exciting aspect for me is the chance to drive innovation and technology to attract and engage new audiences in this dynamic sport. I truly can’t wait to start working with this excellent team.”

Conor Grant, chair of RMG, said: “Filippa brings a powerful combination of strategic leadership, deep media expertise and a strong track record in premium sports content. She understands how to build and engage audiences at scale, how to partner with world-class production teams, and how to harness data to shape compelling content strategies. We are delighted to welcome her to the RMG Board.” 

Wallestam replaces Britt Boeskov. Grant adds: “On behalf of the RMG Board, I would like to thank Britt for her outstanding contribution. Her expertise in product, digital innovation and customer experience has been invaluable to RMG. She leaves with our sincere appreciation and gratitude for the impact she has made.”