A leadership transition at RWS Global reflects how fast-growing experience companies are separating long-term vision from day-to-day execution as they scale globally across entertainment and sports
RWS Global is entering a new phase of leadership as founder Ryan Stana transitions to Executive Chairman and Chief Operating Officer Jake McCoy steps in as Interim CEO. The shift comes after a period of rapid expansion for RWS Global, positioning the company to balance strategic direction with operational execution as its footprint continues to grow.
The change reflects a broader pattern among scaling companies, where founders move into roles focused on long-term vision while operational leaders take on day-to-day management. Stana, who founded the company more than two decades ago, has overseen its evolution into a global provider of live entertainment and sports experiences, with operations spanning multiple continents and a wide range of clients.
McCoy’s appointment signals continuity rather than a reset. Having spent more than a decade within the organization, he has been closely involved in building its operational infrastructure and expanding its international presence. His background, which includes leading initiatives across land-based, cruise, and sports productions, suggests an emphasis on execution and consistency as the company manages increasing complexity.
The transition also comes as demand for large-scale, immersive experiences continues to grow. Companies like RWS Global operate at the intersection of entertainment, sports, and branded experiences, where expectations around production quality, speed, and global coordination are rising. Maintaining that standard across a distributed workforce and client base requires a more defined separation between strategic oversight and operational leadership.
At the same time, the appointment of interim roles across the executive team, including expanded responsibilities for the finance function, indicates that the organization is still in a period of adjustment. The ongoing search for a permanent CEO suggests that the company is taking a measured approach to defining its next chapter rather than rushing into a long-term decision.
This leadership evolution highlights how experience-driven businesses are maturing as they scale. As companies like RWS Global expand their reach, the ability to align creative ambition with operational discipline becomes central to sustaining growth in a competitive and increasingly global market.
