XLMedia names Rich as non-executive chair

Rich, who will also become a member of Audit, Remuneration and Risk Committees, has served in a number of executive and non-executive roles corporations across the media sector.

These included six years as chief executive of TI Media, formerly known as Time Inc UK, as well as five years at DMGT where he was managing director at the Mail On Sunday before becoming commercial director at Associated Newspapers.

Rich also spent time as managing director of Baur Consume Media and a consultant for Crash Test Media, while a 16-year spell at EMAP included time as group managing director of EMAP Lifestyle Magazines and EMAP Advertising, alongside overseeing its Australian and US businesses.

In addition, Rich is currently non-executive chairman of Digitalbox, an advisory board member at Hymag and non-executive director at Perfect Storm Productions. 

“I am very excited to be joining XLMedia plc at this important time in its development,” Rich said. “I am really looking forward to working with the team following the period of strategic redirection to maximise the digital opportunities from the existing assets and take advantage of the growth opportunities in the core areas of sports betting in a marketplace that is constantly evolving. 

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Julie Markey for the support she has provided as interim chair.”

Julie Markey, who had been serving as interim non-executive chair of XLMedia, added: “On behalf of the board, I am delighted to welcome Marcus to XLMedia, who brings a wealth of digital publishing and capital markets experience to this role. 

“We look forward to Marcus supporting the strategic ambitions for our business and I believe we will greatly benefit from his knowledge and expertise.”

The appointment comes after XLMedia this week reported a 610.2% year-on-year increase in net profit for its 2021 financial year following a 21.4% rise in revenue.

XLMedia put the revenue increase primarily down to its growth within the sports wagering market in North America, which helped to offset a decline in the online casino vertical.