Infront Sports & Media has announced that Guoli Ma will step down as chairman of the international sports marketing company’s Chinese division at the end of March 2016 in order to pursue a new challenge in the Chinese media industry. 

According to sources, Mr. Ma will join LeEco as vice president of the fast growing and revolutionary internet-based company where he will be in charge of its sport unit, Le Sports. 

The sports business professional David Yang, an executive with North American basketball league the BNA, will take over as Executive Chairman of Infront China to aid growth in the market. 

The day-to-day business operations at the subsidiary will remain unchanged and continue under the supervision of Managing Director Anne Zhao.

Philippe Blatter, President & CEO of Infront Sports & Media and Wanda Sports Holding, said: “We much regret that Guoli Ma has taken the decision to leave Infront but are hugely appreciative of his support and tremendous dedication over the years. Benefitting from his expertise and networking, as Managing Director of Infront China and later as Chairman of the Board, Infront has been able to build a substantial presence in the Chinese sports market since 2005. On behalf of the global Infront network, I wish him the very best for the future.”

Guoli Ma added: “With David Yang and Anne Zhao, Infront China has reputable and experienced sports marketing experts at its helm and is well set for the onward journey. My personal thanks go to the entire Infront team for an inspiring time, and I am convinced that the group faces a successful future under the roof of Wanda Sports Holding – embracing the momentum of the Chinese sports industry and continuing its successful growth globally. I hope there will be opportunities for me to collaborate in some way again in the future, within China’s prospering sports landscape and diversifying digital media industry.”

Source: Infront

Proofread by John Devlin