IMG, a leading sports marketing agency, is implementing a new leadership structure as Chris Guinness, the executive vice president and global head of commercial for rights, prepares to leave the company after more than 30 years. He will officially step down in July 2026 but will consult for IMG until the end of this year. In the interim, Barney Francis, who joined IMG in 2021 as executive vice president of studios, has been appointed as the chief business officer. In this role, Francis will oversee IMG’s integrated commercial teams. The agency also plans to appoint a chief client and operations officer to enhance client service and operations across various sectors, including rights and brand partnerships. IMG president Adam Kelly emphasized that these changes will align the company’s operations more effectively, aiming to scale their impact in the sports and media industry. Under Guinness's leadership, IMG has solidified partnerships with prominent organizations such as CONMEBOL and the USTA, and has a diverse client list that includes the NFL and the International Olympic Committee. The agency is now part of TKO Group, which acquired IMG from Endeavor in 2024.