Whisper names Derek Scobie as US sales GM

Whisper has announced the appointment of Derek Scobie as its first General Manager of Sales in the US.

Scobie joins Whisper after 15 years at Google/YouTube, where he drove billions of dollars in revenue through premium content monetisation. Before YouTube, Scobie worked in global roles for P&G and Unilever. Scobie’s expertise “lies squarely at the cross-section of live sports, multi-genre entertainment, brand-building, and next-generation advertising.”

Based in California, Scobie will be responsible for scaling Whisper’s North American commercial footprint, building on the company’s momentum with major US sports properties and brands, including EA and the NFL. He will oversee revenue and monetisation strategies around Whisper’s regular US operational footprint – which spans multiple premium motorsport events across Formula 1 and Formula E – while maximising value for Whisper’s expanding sports and entertainment portfolio.

Scobie will work to expand high-profile creative alliances, such as Whisper’s partnerships with premier US production houses like Tom Brady’s Religion of Sports and Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s Artists Equity.

The move follows Whisper’s recent string of senior leadership hires from the world of big tech, sport and entertainment. Strategic Sales Director Chris Hatton (Apple), Chief Brand Officer Fiona Morgan (SailGP), Chief People and Operating Officer Jenny Collins (Google), and General Counsel Ronu Miah (Sky Sports).

Working alongside US-based Advisory Board member Tina Shah to unlock major North American media partnerships, Scobie will also collaborate closely with US based Head of Documentaries Drew Masters to scale premium unscripted IP.

Sunil Patel, Whisper Founder & CEO, said: “Derek is an exceptional commercial leader who understands the future of media and American audiences. We need leaders who know how to unlock opportunities across traditional broadcast and also next-gen digital ecosystems. Derek’s incredible track record at Google and YouTube, combined with his relentless focus on the creator economy and brand publishing, makes him the perfect fit to spearhead our US growth. He brings the exact ‘Make it Happen’ energy required to scale our footprint and connect iconic North American brands with our story-led entertainment approach.”

Derek Scobie, GM of Sales for Whisper, added: “The culture-defining power of sports and premium entertainment properties continues to grow, as technology brings new ways for fans to connect and contribute to the things they love. Meeting those expectations requires accelerated change across the content production landscape, and Whisper has already proven itself as an innovator through its work with leagues, brands and rights holders. I’m grateful to Sunil for the opportunity to lead growth in the US, where Whisper’s ability to move fast and execute flawlessly put it in pole position to lead market shift across genres and formats.”