Microsoft CTO Simon Crownshaw on AI, sport as a crucible for innovation, and how he picks sponsorship deals
Leaders Worth Knowing PodcastShow Notes
Simon Crownshaw is Microsoft’s international factotum: Worldwide Director for Media & Entertainment, CTO, and AI evangelist, he is also the key to the sports and entertainment marketing arsenal at Microsoft.
He joins James Emmett to discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming the sports industry, from content creation and production workflows to fan engagement and the future of media itself.
Simon's career has taken him from Disney, Pixar and Industrial Light & Magic to Microsoft, where he now helps shape the company's work with organisations including the Premier League, the NFL and Formula One. He’s one of only a handful of execs at the technology giant who has the company’s corporate blessing to speak publicly.
The conversation explores the rise of AI-native generations, the shift towards voice-first interaction, and Simon's belief that we're on the cusp of an entirely new medium that could redefine how fans consume, experience and participate in sport.
More from Leaders Worth Knowing Podcast
The International Olympic Committee has revealed the process and timeline for selecting the host of the 2036 summer Olympic Games, and James Emmett and David Cushnan are on hand to discuss why a more open bidding contest is a good thing.
Bex Smith, CEO of multi-club women's football ownership group Crux Football, is the next guest in the series, from Leaders and research agency GWI, exploring demographics, attitudes and priorities amongst fans of women’s sport.
Netflix has acquired the exclusive broadcast rights in Spain to the 2030 men's Fifa World Cup, a move which underlines its live sports ambition and marks a first foray into football in Europe.
The curtain has fallen on Leaders Week London at Stamford Bridge, and James Emmett and David Cushnan are joined by an all-star lineup to reflect on the major themes of the Summit.
As the dust settles on the first day of the Summit at Stamford Bridge, James Emmett and David Cushnan gather their thoughts - and those of guests Shivs Thevarr, VP of Global Partnerships at the Milwaukee Bucks; Francois Westcombe, MD of Ticketmaster Sport EMEA; and Steve Gera, Former President, Grand Slam Track.