BAMTech taps Amazon chief Paull as new CEO

Powerful streaming technology shop BAMTech has announced it is hiring former Amazon Channels head Michael Paull as its next CEO.

Michael Paull, CEO of BAMTech
Paull’s hiring follows the December departure of longtime chief executive Bob Bowman, who led BAMTech from being a small video technology operation existing inside Major League Baseball to an entity that attracted a $1 billion investment from the Walt Disney Company last year. Bowman stepped down amid questions about how his management style might fit with the button-downed folks at Disney. 

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Paull joined Amazon in 2012. Serving as VP of digital video since 2014, he oversaw the introduction of SVOD service Prime Video, as well as the online retailer’s associated push into original series. Going further back, he had two stints, both in digital media roles—one for Sony Pictures and another for Sony Music. He also served as VP of corporate development and strategy for Fox Mobile Entertainment. 

One of Paull’s key initiatives is ESPN’s development of an a la carte online video channel, a movement being closely watched by the pay-TV industry. BAMTech’s clients also include HBO Now, Discovery Communications, the Professional Golfers Association and World Wrestling Entertainment. 

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"Michael will deliver on the incredible potential and promise this venture has for building powerful viewing experiences for its clients and their customers," Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.

Bowman remains Major League Baseball’s president of business and media. He also serves on the seven-member BAMTech board of directors, which includes Manfred, ESPN President John Skipper, Disney executive Kevin Mayer and Gary Bettman, commissioner of the National Hockey League, which is another BAMTech investor.

BAMTech was valued at $3.5 billion when Disney made its investment last August.