Independent Talent Group appoints Dan Chard as Chief Commercial Officer

Independent Talent Group has appointed Dan Chard to the newly created role of Chief Commercial Officer as it expands its commercial partnerships business across sport, music and entertainment.

Chard will lead the development of an integrated commercial offering, combining representation for external rights holders, including sports teams, artists and venues, with long-term commercial strategies for Independent’s existing talent roster.

He joins from Legends Global, where he was SVP Commercial, bringing almost 30 years of experience in the industry. His previous roles include senior commercial positions at ASM Global, AEG Europe and FC Internazionale Milano.

The appointment forms part of Independent’s strategy to build Europe’s leading entertainment and sport talent group, backed by Sienna Private Equity. Recent developments include a strategic investment in sports talent agency Tongue Tied Management and the appointment of former BBC News CEO Deborah Turness to establish a new creative studio.

Chard will build a team focused on creating commercial partnerships that connect brands with audiences through sport, entertainment, talent and culture.

Dan Chard commented: “Brands and rights holders no longer want standard logo placements - they want authentic cultural alignment and compelling narratives. By seamlessly connecting Independent’s extraordinary roster of world-class talent with progressive rights holders across sport, music, and major live environments, we are creating an agile, modern commercial agency that delivers genuine impact. I am thrilled to join Independent during this transformative phase of growth.”

The move reflects the growing emphasis on sponsorship partnerships that extend beyond traditional branding to deliver deeper audience engagement through talent, content and cultural connections.