Barry Hearn steps down as chairman of the Matchroom Sport Group after founding company in 1982: “It has been a huge honour to have worked with some of the greatest sports people on the planet across the last 40 years”; Eddie Hearn becomes Group Chairman
Last Updated: 20/04/21 11:10am
Barry Hearn will move into a new role of president at Matchroom Sport
Barry Hearn OBE has stepped down as chairman of the Matchroom Sport Group of Companies after almost 40 years, taking up the position of president in an advisory capacity.
His new role will be primarily dealing with event strategy and global development.
Eddie Hearn will become the new chairman of the Group of Companies and Chairman of Matchroom Sport, Professional Darts Corporation, Matchroom Boxing, Matchroom Boxing USA, Matchroom Media, and the PGA EuroPro Tour.
Meanwhile, Steve Dawson will take over from Barry Hearn as chairman of World Snooker after this year’s World Championship. Matthew Porter will become chairman of Matchroom Multi Sport, and Katie Hearn CEO of Matchroom Media.
Eddie Hearn will take overall responsibility for the entire group from his father
Hearn founded the sports promotions company back in 1982.
“It has been a huge honour to have worked with some of the greatest sports people on the planet across the last 40 years and enjoyed so many wonderful experiences across our spectrum of events in that time, from snooker’s glory days of the 1980s to record-breaking boxing shows and the incredible growth of professional darts, as we have created opportunities for thousands of sportsmen and women during that time,” he said.
“Great challenges have been met, but none more so than the Covid pandemic. I have been determined to stay in charge until this disaster passed and now there is light at the end of the tunnel and I believe it is the right time to pass control of Matchroom to my son Eddie and the brilliant teams we have assembled across all our activities.
“I shall continue to be available to all Matchroom companies as non-executive President, an advisory role concentrating on group strategy and global expansion, but Eddie will be elevated to Group Chairman with overall responsibility for the entire group.
It has been a huge honour to have worked with some of the greatest sports people on the planet across the last 40 years.
Barry Hearn has had an impact on a variety of sports
“I could not be prouder of the Matchroom Group of Companies and the outstanding teams that operate in a highly competitive marketplace.
“Matchroom has grown from two employees operating in an office under a snooker hall in Romford in 1982, to the global powerhouse it is today due to the efforts and performances of all our staff, contractors, broadcasters, and partners.
“I know the company is in good hands with Eddie at the helm and with my daughter Katie heading up Matchroom Media, Matt Porter at the PDC, Frank Smith at Matchroom Boxing, Emily Frazer at Matchroom Multi Sport, Steve Dawson my Chief Executive for over 30 years and Dan Godding at the PGA EuroPro Tour, along with all their teams.
“Now is the time to give all Matchroom employees the opportunity to take this great British company to the next level and beyond.”
Eddie Hearn commented: “Anyone that knows me is well aware of what Matchroom means to me and our family. It has a legacy that spans 40 years from a small office under a snooker hall in Romford to a global powerhouse of sports entertainment.
“My father has dedicated his life to the company and since I joined in 2004 I have done the same. Now a greater responsibility falls on my shoulders and I am very proud to continue his great work and lead the business and the incredible team that we have built at Matchroom.
“We have seen astounding growth in the last 10 years but we have only just begun. I look forward to continuously evolving and continuing the global growth of this astonishing family business.”
