Michael Paull
MLBAM, the interactive media and Internet company of Major League Baseball, announced today the appointment of Michael Paull as the chief executive officer of BAMTech, the technology services and video streaming company owned by MLBAM, The Walt Disney Company and the National Hockey League (NHL). In his new role, Paull will set the vision and guide this new venture, originally grown out of MLBAM, as he leads its transformation into an independent company driving sustainable high growth. He replaces Robert Bowman who will stay with Major League Baseball while BAMTech becomes a separate entity which Disney has the rights to eventually take control of.
Paull, who will start in March and report directly to the BAMTech board of directors, brings more than 20 years of consumer product development, technology, content distribution and acquisition, and media industry experience to his new position. Prior to joining BAMTech, he served as vice president, digital video at Amazon in Seattle, Wash. In this capacity, he ran Amazon Channels worldwide and was responsible for its global content, product, technology, operations and marketing. Paull joined Amazon in 2012 and during his tenure also oversaw Prime Video and Amazon’s TVOD business in the U.S., as well as the development of Prime Music.
“Michael is a talented and accomplished executive who shares our collective vision for BAMTech as it aggressively explores new means to acquire and distribute video content,” said Robert D. Manfred, Jr., Commissioner of Baseball. “We are confident Michael will deliver on the incredible potential and promise this venture has for building powerful viewing experiences for its clients and their customers.”
BAMTech has successfully designed, developed and delivered direct-to-consumer streaming services over the past 14 years, currently serving 7.5 million total global paid subscribers with its clients’ OTT products. The company’s proprietary technology provides direct-to-consumer video solutions, especially for live events with high viewership, offering viewers high-quality visuals anytime, on any device. BAMTech’s video streaming technology is capable of serving live content to tens of millions of consumers around the world. BAMTech’s growing roster of sports, news and entertainment partners include HBO NOW, the NHL, MLB, the PGA TOUR, WWE Network, Riot Games/League of Legends, and Ice Network. Through a partnership with Discovery, BAMTech also jointly formed BAMTech Europe to represent its expansion into Europe and provide technology services to a broad set of clients across the continent, including Eurosport’s digital products.
“The team at BAMTech has created a best in class Over-The-Top video streaming platform allowing them to develop innovative solutions for their customers,” said Paull. “I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with this highly accomplished team and want to thank Major League Baseball and The Walt Disney Company for this exciting opportunity.”
Paull also has held senior leadership positions with Sony Pictures Entertainment, Sony Music Entertainment, FOX Entertainment Group and Time Warner. Paull, who will be relocating to New York, holds a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard Business School and also received his BS from the University of California, Riverside.