Inflight connectivity and entertainment provider, Global Eagle, has appointed Sean Bratches as the new chairman of its board of directors. Bratches brings more than 30 years of experience as an executive across the media, entertainment and sports sectors.
Bratches served as managing director of commercial operations at Formula 1 through 2020, during which time he transformed the business into a leading global media and entertainment brand, developing proprietary content and introducing digital platforms around the sport to better serve incumbent fans, while also introducing the motorsport to new audiences around the globe.
Prior to joining Formula 1, Bratches was EVP of sales and marketing for the ESPN sports channel, a role which included oversight of all content distribution and licencing, consumer marketing, and advertising sales and sponsorship for the cable and satellite networks of The Walt Disney Company. He served on the ESPN board of directors and has received multiple Vanguard Awards, is a member of the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame, and has been listed as one of the most powerful people in sports entertainment by Sports Business Journal.
Josh Marks, CEO of Global Eagle stated, “Sean’s deep experience in content development, distribution, advertising and sponsorships will help guide our media & content investments and services for airlines, cruise lines and other mobility markets. Sean has a proven track record at leading media companies, which will be highly relevant as we lead the digital transformation of passenger and guest experiences.”
Bratches added, “Having completed its restructuring and sale to major global investment funds, Global Eagle is well positioned to redefine connectivity and media services on planes, ships and remote locations. I am honoured to lead the company’s board and contribute to Global Eagle’s growth and passenger experience innovation.”
