The Sports Video Group (SVG), the association for the advancement of the creation, production and distribution of sports content, has announced the appointment of Rob Payne to the new position of Director of Sponsor Development.  Payne, who joins SVG from his role as sales executive at Sports Business Journal, will be responsible for providing enhanced industry benefits to the association's growing list of sponsors. 

"In less than two years SVG has proved to be the most active and vital advocate for sports production and operations personnel, content holders and new media professionals and it has filled an essential niche as an information and education resource for the sports community," Payne explains.  "As SVG expands its membership's reach into new markets and attracts an increasing number of new sponsors it is paramount that we provide enhanced sponsorship value by providing unparalleled access to the most influential decision-makers in today's sports technology community." 

Prior to joining Sports Business Journal in 2004, Payne served as a sales executive for Broadcasting & Cable magazine for eight years, prior to which he sold and marketed syndicated television shows for MGM, New York Genesis and Samuel Goldwyn, as well as served in the programming and research departments at Blair Television. 

“Rob’s experience at media companies that specialize in sports business and technology coverage will benefit our entire organization and ensure our initiatives and events are effective for both our members and sponsors,” says Paul Gallo, SVG Co-Executive Director. “And Payne’s understanding of what it takes to put on a world-class event will be useful as we begin preparation for our second-annual League Technology Summit that will be held in New York on December 11, 2007.” 

Payne can be reached at SVG's New York offices at: 212-481-8131 or via email at rob@sportsvideo.org. 

The Sports Video Group was formed in 2006 to support the professional community that relies on video, audio, and broadband technologies to produce and distribute sports content. Over 450 executive representatives of leagues, teams, broadcasters, webcasters, and technology providers have joined the SVG to learn from each other, turn vision into reality, implement new innovations, while sharing experiences that will lead to advancements in the sports production/distribution process and the overall consumer sports experience.