Sportradar brings in Behshad Behzadi to accelerate adoption of AI

Sports technology company Sportradar has named former Google executive Behshad Behzadi as chief technology officer and chief artificial intelligence officer.

With over 20 years’ experience at Google, Behzadi is a distinguished computer scientist and recognized global technology leader with expertise in algorithms, search ranking, natural language processing, speech recognition, machine learning and generative AI.

He joined Google Zurich in 2006 and has played a key role in Google’s AI-first strategy as co-founder of Google Assistant, Google Lens, Google Smart Display and the Next Gen Assistant, a breakthrough in mobile assistant technology with on-device Machine Learning.

Most recently, he led Google Cloud's Conversational AI and applied Generative AI initiative focusing on applying the latest AI advancements to reimagine and automate customer services and operations for large enterprises. 

In his new role at Sportradar, Behzadi will drive the usage and adoption of AI and cutting-edge technology to enhance its product offerings and roadmap to deliver hyper-personalized experiences for sports fans, as well as improve internal operational efficiency to help optimize processes and drive innovation across the business.

He will be based in the company's headquarters in Switzerland and report directly to Sportradar CEO Carsten Koerl.

“We are proud to welcome Behshad, a world-renowned leader in harnessing generative AI and other advanced technologies, who marries a unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen,” said Koerl. “His proven track record in developing and commercializing product strategies to accelerate growth and innovation, as well as spearheading initiatives aimed at improving internal operational efficiency, will bolster our leadership position, keeping Sportradar at the forefront of technological advancement.”

Commenting on his new role, Behzadi said: “Sportradar is an exceptional company and category leader operating at the global intersection of sports, technology and digital content. I am very excited to join an organization that pushes the boundaries on technology and puts a premium on innovation.

“I look forward to working alongside Carsten, the rest of the executive management team and their talented group of creators to continue Sportradar’s history of innovation as the Company enters its next exciting chapter.”

Shares in Sportradar Group AG (NASDAQ:SRAD) closed 3.12 per cent lower at $9.32 per share in New York Tuesday.