The Independent Talent Group (ITG) agency has hired Dan Chard, previously of Legends Global, as its first chief commercial officer.
This hiring comes with London-based ITG, currently focused on representating talent in the creative, TV, and film industries, looking to establish and build out a sports-based division.
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The experienced Chard, who brings with him close to three decades of leadership in the sports, music, and live entertainment industries, joins from a position as senior vice president for commercial at premium experientials heavyweight Legends Global.
He has also previously spent time as director of global partnerships for Italian soccer giants Inter Milan, and at ASM Global and AEG Europe, as well.
Chard has been given responsibility for "developing a dedicated commercial representation offer for external rights holders, including sports teams," as well as developing "long-term strategies for [ITG's] talent roster."
This hire by ITG comes after the agency invested into UK-based sports talent agency Tongue Tied Management (representing a range of athletes, coaches, sports broadcasters, and content creators), as was unveiled in late September.
Chard has now commented: "We are creating an agile, modern commercial agency that delivers genuine impact. I am thrilled to join Independent during this transformative phase of growth.”
The first ITG CCO spent 13 months as Legends Global's SVP of commercial, 2.5 years at ASM Global, 4.5 at AEG Europe, and over 18 months at Inter Milan.
Sally Long-Innes, Independent Talent Group's chief executive, commented: "Following our strategic partnership with Tongue Tied Management, bringing Dan into the business enables us to create a truly differentiated commercial proposition.
"He brings exceptional vision and an outstanding track record in connecting rights holders, cultural projects, and talent with global brands."
Last December, Sienna Private Equity took a majority stake in ITG, through a deal which valued the agency – overall – at over $100 million.
