Rob Ponger, CEO Perfect Game - SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show

On this episode of the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show, Wayne Kimmel's guest is Rob Ponger, CEO of Perfect Game.

Ponger was named CEO of Perfect Game in 2022.

Upon joining Perfect Game, Ponger quickly enhanced and expanded the company’s presence, reach and revenue. In concert with PG’s Chairman Rick Thurman, Ponger expanded Perfect Game’s business model beyond its core of youth events and services to include a proprietary technology platform (PG TECH), OTT live streaming service (PGTV), apparel line and state of the art training support.

Additionally, in a short span of time, Perfect Game enhanced its ability to introduce more youth to baseball and softball by expanding its presence with offices in new regions of the country, developing and managing new best-in-class baseball facilities and expanding into international markets.

Ponger spent nearly 20 years at IMG where, as CFO of IMG Media, he provided financial and investment oversight, led mergers and acquisitions, directed corporate restructuring and drove business development through the creation and implementation of strategic and tactical initiatives. Through that process, Ponger helped position IMG as one of the world’s most successful entertainment and sports agencies.

Over a seven-year span (2008-14), Ponger played an integral role in leading the finance group at IMG as senior vice president of strategic planning and financial operations, highlighted by the sale of IMG to WME/Silver Lake for $2.4 billion. Ponger co-led the successful sales process for IMG and reported directly to the CEO of the company during the transaction.

Ponger is a 1992 graduate of Bernard Baruch College where he attained his bachelor’s degree in accounting and passed all parts of the Uniform CPA exam.

He currently resides in Long Island, N.Y. with his wife, Francesca and sons, Dylan and Alexander.