SG Sports, led by APL Apollo, has announced the appointment of the former tennis player, Mahesh Bhupathi, as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company.
Bhupathi, who was awarded the Padma Shri in 2001, is one of India’s most renowned tennis players, with a career spanning two decades.
In his role, the 49-year-old will oversee the company’s overall strategic direction and growth activities. Bhupathi’s forward-thinking approach seeks to use emerging technology to assist in establishing IP while also increasing fan and consumer involvement. Furthermore, he would also consider forming crucial alliances to build a supportive ecosystem that may combine sport and entertainment under the same IP.
Rohan Gupta, Founder, SG Sports and Entertainment, said, “We are proud to have someone of Mahesh’s calibre come on board as CEO of SGSE, one of the foremost sporting icons of the nation who during his playing days helped enhance the reputation of Indian tennis on the global stage. I am certain that with him at the helm, SGSE will soon become a game changer in the years to come.”
The Padmi Shri awardee has won an astonishing 52 ATP Tour titles, including numerous Grand Slam triumphs. He has also reached historic tennis milestones by winning doubles titles at renowned tournaments such as the French Open and Wimbledon. Beyond his illustrious tennis career, he has actively pursued his business zeal, launching Globosport, India’s first talent management firm, in the early 2000s.
Mahesh Bhupathi, Chief Executive Officer, SG Sports and Entertainment, said, “I have always had a clear vision on building a comprehensive and sustainable sports and entertainment ecosystem. Now with the support of APL Apollo group, I feel this is the perfect opportunity to do so. I am excited about this new role and am looking forward to bringing the network I have built to make it happen.”