Goalhanger, the British podcasting giant behind series such as as “The Rest is Football,” which recently launched as a Netflix show covering the World Cup, is looking to accelerate its growth on screen with the hire of Tom Miceli.
Miceli joins from WME in the newly created role of head of IP development and will focus on expanding the company’s TV and film business. In his new role, Miceli will lead Goalhanger’s IP development and licensing strategy, identifying opportunities across its existing shows and development pipeline and turning them into compelling television and film propositions for U.K. and international markets.
Reporting directly to Goalhanger’s founders, he will work closely with the company’s talent, editorial teams and general managers to develop a prioritised slate, build relationships with commissioners and production partners, and lead negotiations across licensing, co-production and format-sale opportunities.
Miceli spent more than a decade at WME in the agency’s TV division, representing producers, directors, talent, and helping lead the agency’s international format business. Most recently, he led WME’s work on Goalhanger’s Netflix partnership, which brought “The Rest Is Football” to the platform for the World Cup and the upcoming Premier League season.“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be joining Goalhanger, a company I have long admired both as a business and as a fan,” said Micheli. “I consume its content every day and look forward to helping bring its IP to new verticals and platforms, while preserving the quality that has enabled Goalhanger to flourish and establish itself as one of the leading media and content companies in the industry.”
Jack Davenport, co-founder of Goalhanger, added: “Our shows are built around distinctive ideas, brilliant talent and deeply engaged audiences, creating enormous potential to develop them beyond their original formats. Having worked closely with Tom for many years, we have seen first-hand the rare combination of creative judgement, commercial experience and strong industry relationships he brings. We’re delighted to welcome him in-house, where his dedicated expertise will help us identify the right opportunities and turn them into successful television and film projects.”
The hire comes during a period of rapid growth for Goalhanger, which was recently named Britain’s fastest-growing private company in The Sunday Times 100. The company is set to bring its biggest shows together in London for its inaugural three-day Goalhanger: The Rest Is Fest in September.