Sports technology heavyweight Sportradar has appointed Behshad Behzadi as its new chief technology officer (CTO) and chief artificial intelligence officer (CAIO).
Behzadi will be based in the organization’s headquarters in Switzerland and report directly to chief executive Carsten Koerl.
As Sportradar’s CTO and CAIO (the latter a newly created role), he will drive the company’s usage and adoption of AI and other advanced technologies to enhance its product offerings.
Sportradar claims the use of AI “will help to drive the company’s future efficiency and can create significant value for clients and stakeholders.”
Behzadi joins from Google where he spent two decades in its Zurich site. At the internet giant, Behzadi played a key role in Google’s AI-first strategy as a co-founder of products including Google Assistant, Google Lens, Google Smart Display, and the Next Gen Assistant.
Koerl said: “We are proud to welcome Behshad, a world-renowned leader in harnessing generative AI and other advanced technologies, who marries a unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen.
“His proven track record in developing and commercializing product strategies to accelerate growth and innovation, as well as spearheading initiatives aimed at improving internal operational efficiency, will bolster our leadership position, keeping Sportradar at the forefront of technological advancement.”
Behzadi said: “Sportradar is an exceptional company and category leader operating at the global intersection of sports, technology, and digital content. I am very excited to join an organization that pushes the boundaries on technology and puts a premium on innovation.
“I look forward to working alongside Carsten, the rest of the executive management team, and their talented group of creators to continue Sportradar’s history of innovation as the company enters its next exciting chapter.”
Behzadi’s appointment quickly follows the hiring of Craig Felenstein as Sportradar’s new chief financial officer.
