Castellani succeeds Nick Taylor, who joined Genius in 2019 and will remain with the company during a transition period.
Based in New York and reporting directly to Genius Sports co-founder and CEO Mark Locke, Castellani will oversee all aspects of the company’s global finance function.
His remit includes financial planning and analysis, accounting, treasury, tax, investor relations, risk and compliance, and capital allocation, as Genius Sports continues its expansion in the US.
He will also support strategic growth initiatives, including mergers, acquisitions and partnerships.
Locke said the appointment marks a significant step in the company’s strategy to drive profitable growth across its technology and rights portfolio.
“This appointment comes at a pivotal moment for our business,” Locke said.
“Bryan combines deep financial discipline with an understanding of scaling media platforms, which is exactly what we need as we take Genius Sports into its next growth phase.
“From powering immersive fan products to delivering personalised advertising campaigns, we’re building the most advanced technology stack in sport, and Bryan will ensure we convert that product leadership into durable growth and cash generation.”
A three-decade career
Castellani brings an extensive track record from senior roles at some of the world’s most influential media companies.
Most recently, he served as EVP and CFO of Warner Music Group, where he led the company’s global finance organisation.
Prior to Warner, Castellani spent nearly three decades at the The Walt Disney Company.
Most recently, from 2020 to 2023, he was EVP of finance at Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution and then EVP and CFO of Disney Entertainment & ESPN, overseeing financial operations across Disney’s streaming, broadcast, and sports businesses.
Before that, from 2018 to 2020, he served as EVP and CFO of ESPN, directing financial strategy during a period of digital transformation for the sports network.
Other finance positions he previously held at Disney included SVP of corporate FP&A, SVP of operations and business planning at ABC News, and CFO of The Walt Disney Company Japan, where he was based in Tokyo from 2007 to 2013.
“I’m excited to join Genius Sports as it continues to redefine how data and technology power sports,” Castellani said.
“Building on recent strong performance, Genius Sports’ exclusive rights, market-leading products and global reach create a unique platform to keep building momentum.
“I look forward to partnering with Mark and the team to drive efficient scale, sharpen execution and deliver for customers, partners and shareholders.”
Dingnews.com 03/10/2025