WME | IMG Names Co-Presidents

Shapiro previously served as chief content officer while Francini was president of IMG Media. The promotions won’t directly affect WME, where Ari Emanuel and Patrick Whitesell continue to guide the ship, but does formalize the business structure of IMG.

The pair will oversee WME IMG’s media, events, fashion, licensing, global partnerships, original content, IMG College, IMG Academy, The Miss Universe Organization, Professional Bull Riders, and Frieze businesses in addition to the company’s new China subsidiary, according to the announcement.

“Mark and Ioris have been great partners these past few years, helping us integrate WME and IMG, generate organic growth, and expand into new business lines and geographies,” said co-CEOs Emanuel and Whitesell. “WME IMG is a strong, dynamic business with exciting opportunities ahead, and Mark and Ioris combine the vision and expertise to help the company succeed in this next chapter.” 

Prior to joining WME IMG in 2014, Shapiro was CEO of Dick Clark Productions. He served as director, president and chief executive of Six Flags Entertainment from 2006-10. Before joining Six Flags, he spent 12 years at ESPN overseeing production and programming. Francini joined IMG in 2003 as head of sales for media in Italy before relocating to London in 2007.

He was made executive VP of IMG Media in 2012 and became president in 2014. Prior to IMG, Francini served as head of legal and business affairs at European film production company MovieWeb. Shapiro will continue to be based in New York City and Francini in London.