Sporting Insights announced that Richard Payne had taken a new position as joint managing director of the U.K.-based research firm, alongside managing director, John Bushell.

The company said that over the last twelve years, Payne has demonstrated insightful thinking and strong decision-making, working his way up to director and now joint managing director. “He has been a key part of leading the team through major projects and service developments, including The R&A and USGA Distance Insights programme and the newly launched Outdoor Market Intelligence Service (OMIS).”

Bushell is not reducing his involvement in the company but believes delegating some of his responsibilities to Payne will allow him to focus in more detail on key areas, including taking a more active involvement with Erica Healy’s Research & Insights team. His focus will be to “ensure clients are empowered to maximize the recommendations generated by the company’s research programs and incorporate insights into their decision-making as effectively as possible.” Bushell will also be looking to develop other areas for the business, including consultancy.

Payne will focus on overseeing Robert Cobain’s Market Intelligence Services (MIS) team, which operates OMIS and the Cycling Market Data Service (MDS) as well as spearheading data visualization and data science services.

“I am so happy and excited for Richard as he takes this big step in his career,” Bushell expressed. “This is fabulous news not just for him but for Sporting Insights. Richard has been at the heart of so many of the best things we have accomplished in the 12 years since Stephen Proctor and I organised the management buy-out of the company, and he’s stepped up another level in recent years, particularly in terms of his support for the MIS team. I can’t wait to see where the future takes us.”

Photo courtesy Sporting Insights