Konrad Rozum - Research Manager at BeIN Media Group
“No matter what your starting role is – once you’re part of it, anything is possible and sky’s the limit”
After graduating University with a Masters degree in Marketing Innovation, Konrad began his career at an agency dealing in fashion and retail, before stepping up to work with the likes of Manchester United and UEFA at Kantar. Today, Konrad combines his passion for sport with his marketing expertise at global media giant, BeIN .
Introduce yourself!
Konrad Rozum – Research Manager at BeIN Media Group. I’m Polish, have lived in the UK for over 10 years and currently residing in Dartford. I’ve always enjoyed sports (from ski jumping, volleyball to tennis and football), Real Madrid and Southampton supporter. I walk a lot and work out 3-4 times a week. Outside of sports I enjoy live entertainment ranging from concerts, musicals to opera. Oh, I also love to travel!
Tell us a little bit about BeIN Media Group and what your role is there.
BeIN Media Group is a global leader in TV production, distribution and media rights acquisition. Mostly dealing with sports but also movies and series. HQ in Doha, Qatar and present in over 40 countries across 5 continents. I’ve been here since March 2020 and currently work as a Research Manager within the Global Analytics & Research Department. My role, among many other responsibilities, involves collaborating closely with the central acquisition team and supporting major sports rights tenders by providing viewing analysis to various events, such as EPL, UCL, ATP, NBA, EUROs, and many more as well as end of season reviews across our OpCos in Australia, MENA, SEA, Türkiye, France and USA. I also get to travel a bit to some of these locations!
Did you take on any higher education courses (university etc?) and if so, how does that relate to what you do now?
I did BA Sports Management at Winchester University and MSc Marketing Innovation at Winchester Business School. I enjoyed both courses. Sports Management allowed me to apply my interest in sports in academic settings while my masters broadened my business knowledge and improved my employability.
What does your career history look like and how did you get into working in sport?
After university I worked at a research agency in Southampton, mostly dealing with major retail and fashion brands. Then I moved to London where I worked for Kantar – this time working for media and sports clients such as BBC, Sky, Manchester United or UEFA. I love sports and now at BeIN I’m able to fully live my passion.
“I love that the industry is ever-changing and evolving, thus no two days are the same. ”
What do you enjoy most about working in the sport industry?
I love that the industry is ever-changing and evolving, thus no two days are the same. Being part of a global company enables me to collaborate with colleagues across the whole world and learn from them.
Name one thing that excites you about the future of sport that you have learned from your role?
Sport connects and brings people together. It gives people joy. People consume it in many different ways, from attending at the venues, to watching it live to reading about to talking about it with friends/family. The way we all experience sport keeps changing with technological developments – metaverse could be the next big thing!
Share your favourite experience that has come as a result of your work in sport.
It has to be working in Qatar during the recent FIFA World Cup. Amazing experience to collaborate with people from different organisations all working extremely hard to achieve a common goal. The tensions ran high and hours were long but it’s not every day you get a chance to joke with Marcel Desailly, chat with Alessandro Del Piero or Gabriel Batistuta or take pics with Clarence Seedorf or Xerdan Shakiri. On top of that I attended matches at four incredible stadiums and even got to see Poland’s match! I’ll never forget those days!
“Don’t give up at your first hurdle, get up, dust yourself off and keep going!”
If someone reading this is wondering how they take their first steps towards a career in sports, what would be your advice?
Follow your dreams and passion. Try to get as much industry relevant experience as soon as you can, be it volunteering or work experience while at Uni. No matter what your starting role is – once you’re part of it, anything is possible and sky’s the limit.
How could someone try to elevate their chances of securing a job in sport?
Immerse yourself in the industry, read about developments, trends, attend events. Be proactive. Keep browsing LinkedIn and job posting sites – there are many opportunities all the time!
What is one piece of advice you would give to anyone with ambitions of a career in sport?
The hours may be long with tight deadlines but the ultimate rewards are totally worth it. Don’t give up at your first hurdle, get up, dust yourself off and keep going!
Want to connect with Konrad or learn more about BeIN Media Group?
You can connect with Konrad via LinkedIn, and learn more about the BeIN Media Group via their website and LinkedIn page