David Leadbetter

NEP Group

As the regional general counsel of a global provider of broadcasting services, David Leadbetter knows that, despite the odds, the show must go on. The UK head of legal at Pittsburgh-based production company NEP has helped the business navigate the hurdles brought by Covid-19. NEP provides the capabilities for delivering major events to the global audiences of various networks, which means Leadbetter took on the legal duties accompanying the cancellation, adjustments and postponements of major events — everything from the Tokyo Olympics and the UEFA Euro championship to the UK Premier League, Wimbledon, Formula 1 and Love Island.

Leadbetter negotiated the transfer of teams and equipment through constantly changing rules, shipping constraints, travel restrictions and the wider Brexit scenario, which contributed to the upheaval.

He also litigated with insurers in the US on $75m in unpaid Covid-19 coverage and supported the launch of new production centres in Dubai and Saudi Arabia. Leadbetter turned the company’s offering into a platform to boost the legal team’s relevance when he engaged more than 4,000 employees across 24 countries to make an anti-bribery training film in a London studio for a virtual broadcast. His advice during the pandemic led to his appointment to NEP’s steering committee for the delivery of major events.