Barney Francis has over 30 years’ experience in broadcasting, including more than two decades at Sky, alongside roles at ITV, BBC and now IMG. He began at ITV before joining Sky Sports in 1996, with a brief spell at the BBC, and returned to Sky for the 1999 Cricket World Cup. Rising through senior production roles, he became Managing Director of Sky Sports in 2009 and joined the Executive Leadership team. At Sky, he transformed the business from 4 to 11 channels, secured major rights including F1, The Open, The Masters and the NBA, and delivered multiple renewals across the Premier League, EFL and ECB. He also helped reinvent boxing with Matchroom, reintroducing PPV and generating £250m+ in revenue. He reshaped on-screen talent, drove industry-leading digital and streaming growth, and oversaw award-winning output (3 BAFTAs, 6 RTS Awards). He also championed initiatives using sport as a force for good. Following Comcast’s acquisition of Sky, he became CEO, Future Sports, before moving into advisory roles and private ventures. Barney joined IMG in 2021, leading its global Studios business, overseeing major properties including Premier League Productions, MLS, the Saudi Pro League and CBS Champions League coverage, and leading IMG to win Broadcast Sports' Production Company of the Year award. In April 2026 he became Chief Business Officer at IMG.