Racecourse Media Group has appointed Andrew Demaria as its first Chief Content Officer, giving the former CNN and NBCUniversal executive responsibility for expanding horse racing’s reach across broadcast, digital and commercial channels.
Demaria officially joins RMG on October 6 and will be based in London. His remit covers content strategy, audience development, digital growth, data and insights, marketing integration and content partnerships, with a focus on increasing subscriptions, engagement and commercial performance.
The appointment forms part of RMG’s effort to create a more integrated content operation and attract audiences beyond racing’s traditional fan base. The company wants to make greater use of its broadcast, digital, marketing and data capabilities as horse racing competes for attention with sports that have successfully broadened their appeal through modern media formats.
Demaria brings more than 25 years of media experience. He spent over 16 years at CNN, where he helped develop digital brands including CNN Travel and CNN Style and later served as Vice President and Managing Editor of CNN Digital International.
He subsequently moved to NBCUniversal as Vice President and Executive Creative Director. There, he led work involving global commercial content, events and brand strategy across the company’s sport, news and entertainment operations. His career has included managing teams and projects across the UK, Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.
RMG Managing Director Russell Ferris said Demaria’s experience in audience growth, digital innovation and commercially focused content would help the group combine its different media functions more effectively. RMG expects the new role to support both the acquisition of new viewers and stronger engagement with existing racing audiences.
Demaria sees horse racing as well suited to a broader media strategy because of its year-round schedule, leading competitors, established personalities and dedicated following. His priority will be developing those elements for a wider range of platforms while creating greater long-term value for RMG’s racecourse shareholders.
The appointment comes during a wider period of strategic development at RMG. The organisation recently renewed media and data rights agreements covering 33 British racecourses through the end of 2033, extending its long-term role in distributing racing content and data.
RMG also appointed former Camelot chief executive Nigel Railton as Chair from October 1, succeeding Conor Grant as the business focuses on the future of racing media rights, fan engagement and sustainable commercial growth.