Tennis Channel has appointed Matthias Hahn as General Manager of German-language platforms, marking the US network’s first Europe-based executive.
In his new role, Hahn will build a local executive team in Munich and drive the development of Tennis Channel in Germany, Austria and Switzerland (DACH). Hahn begins this week and reports to Andy Reif, Senior Vice President, Tennis Channel International, who is based in the network’s Los Angeles headquarters.
Hahn will manage all aspects of the Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned network in the DACH region, including the establishment of a vision for the platform and strategy for expanding its subscriber base, engagement and profitability. Together with his team, Hahn will guide sponsor, marketing, pricing and partnership decisions and work closely with the network’s US digital team on the Tennis.com Germany website. The group will also maintain relationships with national tennis federations and other Europe-based leaders and businesses in the tennis industry.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to have Matthias join us at the helm of Tennis Channel as our first executive in Europe, managing the German-speaking region,” said Reif. “His mixture of media industry knowledge and passion for tennis fits perfectly with our goals.”
Hahn comes to Tennis Channel from Xperi/TiVo, where he had been Senior Sales Director, Europe, Middle East and Africa since 2022. He previously worked at Sky Deutschland from 2007-2022, rising from Manager to Senior Vice President, Commercial Distribution. Hahn was responsible for distribution agreements and content partnerships with such platforms as Amazon and DAZN at the pay-TV broadcaster.
“As a big tennis fan, I have been following the development of Tennis Channel with great interest for many years and am delighted to be able to use my network and experience to help drive the channel’s international expansion,” said Hahn.
Hahn is an accomplished amateur tennis player in his own right: as captain of the country’s 45-and-older team, he led it to a bronze medal at the International Tennis Federation’s Masters World Team Championships in Turkey last year.
Launched in 2020, Tennis Channel Germany was Tennis Channel’s first footprint outside the US. Offered as a subscription streaming service and as a FAST Channel, the platform is distinct from its US counterpart with programming that is tailored to audiences in the region. This includes series hosted by and focused on players from Germany, Austria and Switzerland as well as classic matches with all-time greats from the area. Like the American version of the channel, Tennis Channel Germany offers live tennis throughout the year, with matches from the men’s and women’s tours, Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup and other events.