Ed Woodward, the former Executive Vice Chairman of Manchester United, has found a new role in the world of artificial intelligence (AI). Following his departure from Old Trafford, Woodward has been appointed as a Strategic Advisor and Non-Executive Board Member for AI company SentientSports. The announcement comes as Manchester United begins the search for Woodward’s successor, after Richard Arnold, who had been working alongside Woodward, also departed. With major ownership changes underway at the Premier League club, Woodward’s role at SentientSports marks a new chapter in his career.
Woodward expressed his excitement about his new challenge, stating, “The blend of sports and AI technology at SentientSports is truly cutting-edge. With some of the industry’s leading AI talents involved, I see tremendous potential for innovation and expanding global digital fanbases.” SentientSports, founded in 2020, aims to revolutionize fan engagement in the sports arena by employing causal AI technologies. The company seeks to help professional sports clubs create digital global fanbases and generate direct-to-consumer revenue streams.
SentientSports has already made significant strides in the industry, having tested their AI models with over 30 professional teams in Europe and America, including several Premier League and Football League outfits. These clubs have utilized SentientSports' AI technology to analyze data and make informed decisions regarding player recruitment.
Woodward’s time as the Executive Vice Chairman at Manchester United was met with criticism for his transfer dealings and managerial appointments. Many questioned his decision-making, as the club continued to spend large sums on underperforming players. His choice to hire managers such as Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also failed to yield significant success in terms of trophies.
Woodward’s move into the world of AI with SentientSports signifies a shift in his career trajectory. By joining a company that aims to disrupt and innovate within the global digital sports landscape, Woodward has the opportunity to utilize his experience in the sports industry while embracing the transformative potential of AI technology.
In an interview, Ryan, the CEO of SentientSports, expressed his enthusiasm about working with Woodward: “We are thrilled to have Ed join our board. His expertise and knowledge of the sports industry, combined with his strategic mindset, will be invaluable as we continue to grow and make significant advancements in the field of AI and sports.”
As Woodward takes on this new role, the sports world will be watching closely to see how his involvement with SentientSports contributes to the advancement of AI in the realm of fan engagement and digital sports. Only time will tell what opportunities and innovations this collaboration will bring to the industry.
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