Host Broadcast Services (HBS), the television production company owned by international sports marketing agency Infront, has established a US-based subsidiary to expand its business into North America.
The new entity – known as HBS LLC – will be based in Miami, Florida, and open its premises this month.
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The division will be focused on managing the current projects HBS is working on in the US, as part of its recently extended contract with Concacaf, soccer’s governing body across North and Central America and the Caribbean, as well as generating new business in the territory with “future missions.”
In November, HBS and Concacaf extended their partnership until 2026. The new contract enhances HBS’ scope, including the host broadcast of all Concacaf major events, the development of a cloud-based archive solution and post-production service, and a training program led by HBS’ Broadcast Academy.
Events under HBS’ remit include the Gold Cup, W Gold Cup, W Championship, Nations League Finals, and Champions League.
HBS LLC will be led by José Rocha, who joins the company in the role of managing director.
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By GlobalDataRocha was formerly with US-based broadcaster DirecTV Latin America, where he was vice president of development and production.
He has over 25 years of experience in the broadcast industry and will primarily lead the business development in North America for HBS.
The initial team based in Miami will be completed by Enrique Rabasco, head of production, and Matthieu Thebault, head of business administration.
The first mission to be delivered by HBS LLC will be the 2022–23 Concacaf Nations League Finals and the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup events, to be held in June and July.
Dan Miodownik, HBS chief executive, said: “Bringing someone onboard with the wealth of knowledge that José has, specifically in the American market, gives HBS a huge head-start as we begin to study the growth possibilities in the territory.
“Combining HBS’ track record and global experience with José’s understanding of the US broadcast industry and his connections will be the catalyst for some exciting opportunities for us to keep evolving how we capture and distribute major sporting occasions.” Rocha added: “The role of managing director at HBS in the US allows me to apply all I have learned on the receiving end of broadcast services to the benefit of others in the industry.
“HBS brings a unique approach, recognized worldwide, to major events. My job is now to identify the needs of the industry in North America and find solutions leveraging the wealth of knowledge developed by HBS over the last 20 years.”
Image: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
