Xtreme Video hires AB Group exec, looks to VR

Extreme sports online video service XTreme Video’s parent company XTremEnterprise has hired French broadcaster AB Group digital and marketing chief Gregg Bywalski as general manager.

As marketing, communication, digital and business development director at AB Group, Bywalksi headed the launch of digital channels , launched ad sales house Regis – where he served as general manager – and introduced WSOP and WPT poker, UFC and Bellator mixed martial arts and WWE wrestling to French audiences.

At XTreme, Bywalski will lead development of the company’s US presence in addition to managing all media activities including marketing, communications and digitisation.

Bywalski has also recruited Dan Aufhauser as director of media and business development for the US market, responsible for establishing brand content partnerships, developing the digital advertising business, and implementing marketing-sponsorship campaigns.

XTreme Video is turning its attention to the US market after establishing itself in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, with offices in Biarritz, Dubai, London, Paris and Shenzhen.

The company said it was ramping up production of its original 4K content and 360° virtual reality programming in 2016. The company is currently working to bring more 360° VR experiences to audiences through partnerships with companies including Satori Factory – on ‘speed-flying’ or ‘free-flying’, Christopher Chann – skateboarding – FISE – European extreme sports events and recently-launched sports outfit SFR Sports.

Xtreme Video has also added extreme sports YouTube personality Adam LZ to its MCN. Florida-based Adam LZ’s BMX channel has close to a million subscribers.