Bowman steps down as BAMTech searches for CEO

Bob Bowman has stepped down from a leadership role at BAMTech, the video technology business of MLB Advanced Media, according to multiple reports.

Bowman (pictured) oversees the MLBAM and MLB Network pay-television arms of Major League Baseball as president of business and media, and had been running BAMTech in addition to his other duties at the North American league.

An MLBAM spokesperson told the Hollywood Reporter website that he will remain on the board of BAMTech, with Bowman believed to have planned to introduce a leadership team following the conclusion of its recent deal with the Walt Disney media company.

MLB has hired recruitment agency Egon Zehnder to look for a chief executive for BAMTech, whose roster of sports clients includes the National Hockey League, MLB, golf’s PGA Tour, wrestling’s WWE Network and Ice Network, a digital platform for professional figure and speed skating.

The development comes after international media and entertainment company Discovery Communications last month agreed a long-term partnership with BAMTech that will lead to the formation of a European division of the business.

The deal will result in the creation of BAMTech Europe, a new digital technology provider dedicated to working with content owners, broadcasters and OTT platforms to enhance their digital capabilities, reach and performance across Europe.

In August, Walt Disney agreed to pay $1bn (€932.8m) for a 33-per-cent stake in BAMTech. Disney holds the option to acquire majority ownership in the coming years.