The European Broadcasting Union, the umbrella body of public service broadcasters, has today elevated Pascal Fratellia to the new role of commercial director at its Eurovision Sport arm.
Fratellia was previously head of football rights at the EBU, a position he had held since 2007.
The French executive, who has 25 years of experience in the sector, will step up in September, overseeing all commercial activities, with the head of sales reporting to him.
The promotion follows the recent appointment of Adrian Fikentscher as Eurovision Sport’s first director of acquisitions, with the German executive to take up that position in October.
Pascal will report to Glen Killane, executive director of Eurovision Sport, who said: “Delivering the best sports rights on behalf of our Members is our core mission. We are also defined by solid and lasting relationships with our partners. The [coronavirus] pandemic has proven we are the most trusted partner in the business.
“This newly-created role is a statement that we see real potential to grow for the benefit of Members and partners alike. Pascal brings huge experience in negotiations and a long track record of success from his years in football. Under his leadership I am certain that he and the sales team will continue to add real value for EBU Members and deliver innovative and exciting opportunities in the commercial space.”
Fratellia added: “I feel extremely privileged to be offered this new challenge at the EBU. I will continue to serve our Members and values with the same humility, determination and passion as I have always done over the last years.”
In his role as head of football rights, Pascal was a key player in major soccer acquisitions including rights in around 40 countries to the 2018 and 2022 Fifa World Cups, Uefa Euro 2012 and 2016, the 2019 Women’s World Cup and next year’s Women’s Euro.
He joined the EBU from the FFF, the French Football Federation, where he was deputy director of the TV and marketing department.
In addition, he was a Uefa Champions League venue director for 12 seasons, and a Fifa match commissioner for some games.
