Ringier Sports Media Group (RSMG) has undertaken a transformation of its c-level leadership team, as its media-network transitions from its founding phase to the next stage of international expansion.
Established in 2023, RSMG is the sports and gaming media division of Ringier AG which operates Europe’s biggest network of dedicated sports news coverage.
Changes will see Marc Walder appointed Chairman of the Board, succeeding Founding Chair Robin Lingg, whilst Tim Kollmann steps up from Chief Operating Officer to Chief Executive Officer, and Stilian Shishkov transitions into a Board role.
The changes mark the conclusion of RSMG’s initial build-out phase, during which the division has developed into a leading digital sports publisher, reaching more than 23 million active users across eight countries.
A new leadership chapter
As Chairman, Walder will guide the group’s long-term direction, focusing on aligning editorial strength with scalable digital growth. His appointment signals closer integration of RSMG within Ringier’s wider corporate strategy.
Kollmann’s promotion places operational leadership in the hands of an executive closely tied to the group’s development. Having served as COO since the group’s inception, he will now take up responsibility for scaling the business, integrating its portfolio of brands and driving commercial growth alongside stronger audience engagement.
Outlining his priorities, Kollmann stated that the company will focus on the “core value in deepening the integration of our seven media brands, unlocking new revenue streams and turning them into distinctive destinations for sports fans”.
He added that the next phase of RSMG’s evolution will centre on building a more unified, scalable platform that is capable of supporting international expansion.
RSMG’s portfolio includes established European sports media brands such as Sportal.bg, A Bola (Portugal), Kicker Media (Germany), GSP Romania and Sport SK/CZ. Collectively, the group has built a leading position across eight markets for sports audiences.
Across 2024 and 2025, the company has prioritised revamping its core media assets and expanding into new markets, including Greece, as part of a broader strategy to diversify its geographic footprint.
New horizons
Shishkov’s move to the Board reflects his continued influence on RSMG’s technological innovation strategy.
As Founder of Sportal Media Group and founder of Sportal365 platform, the livescore pioneer platform acquired by Ringier in 2021, he brings extensive experience in scaling digital sports ecosystems across Central and Eastern Europe.
Lingg, stepping down as Chairman, reflected on the transition: “Founding RSMG four years ago was a major strategic move for Ringier. We have demonstrated that our vision of uniting leading brands with a global technology platform works. Now is the perfect moment to hand over the reins.”
He added that the incoming leadership team “combine deep expertise in sports, media, technology, and operational excellence to lead RSMG into the future”.