Latest news with #European-born
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Luka Doncic And Bam Adebayo Spotted Partying With Michael Jordan At Exclusive Jordan Brand Event
Luka Doncic And Bam Adebayo Spotted Partying With Michael Jordan At Exclusive Jordan Brand Event originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Luka Doncic and Bam Adebayo were recently spotted enjoying themselves at an exclusive Jordan Brand dinner and afterparty in Athens, Greece, a lavish gathering hosted by none other than basketball legend Michael Jordan himself. The event brought together some of Jordan Brand's most prominent athletes and ambassadors, blending celebrity style, brand synergy, and a celebratory vibe that underscored the growing global reach of the Jordan empire. The biggest star of the night? None other than Luka Doncic, who has become not only a face of the modern NBA but also one of Jordan Brand's marquee names. Doncic was the centerpiece of the evening, standing shoulder to shoulder with fellow athletes and entertainers such as Bam Adebayo, Rui Hachimura, Quentin Richardson, NFL star Cam Jordan, model Jessica Sims, and Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony. During the event, teams were formed for a creative design challenge, one of the night's main attractions. Doncic, Bam, Q-Rich, Jessica Sims, and Cam Jordan made up one of the standout squads. The group not only impressed the judges but also ended up winning the challenge, taking home a trophy and a luxury bottle of Cincoro Tequila. The tequila, a premium brand co-founded by Jordan himself, was handed to Doncic personally by Quentin Richardson, who affectionately dubbed the Lakers superstar the 'MVP' of the team. The festivities didn't end with the design competition. Luka, Bam, and Richardson were all seen together later that night, letting loose and enjoying the Athens nightlife. In a now-viral snap shared by Q-Rich, the trio is captured laughing, dancing, and celebrating with unmistakable chemistry. Another image from the night showed Bam Adebayo and Richardson posing with Michael Jordan himself a snapshot that speaks volumes about the level of exclusivity and respect involved in the gathering. For Bam Adebayo, the moment was more than just a party; it was a continuation of his longstanding relationship with Jordan Brand. Since signing a multi-year deal with the brand in 2019, Adebayo has represented Jordan with consistency and class. Though known for his grit and defense on the hardwood, Bam's off-court presence, particularly in fashion and marketing, has made him one of the brand's most versatile ambassadors. As for Luka Doncic, his role at the event cemented just how valuable he has become to the Jordan empire. In 2023, Doncic extended his deal with the brand through 2029, and he remains the first European-born and raised player to sign a signature shoe deal with Jordan. According to Forbes, Luka's endorsement earnings are currently estimated at $15 million annually, with projections suggesting that number could explode to $60–80 million in the coming years due to his rising global appeal, MVP-level performances, and widespread marketability. The Greece gathering was a reflection of more than just camaraderie or brand loyalty; it was a showcase of who the future belongs to. And at the center of it, as always, was Luka Doncic: a superstar on and off the court, sharing a bottle of tequila and a moment of celebration with the greatest player of all time. This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Mint
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Mint
Jaroslav Halak, former New York Rangers goalie retires after 17 NHL seasons; says 'I'll never put on the pads again'
Jaroslav Halak, veteran goaltender, announced his retirement at the age of 40 on Friday (July 18), closing a remarkable 17-year NHL career that spanned seven teams. Known for his clutch playoff performances and steady presence, the Slovak player will leave behind a legacy as one of Europe's finest goalies. Jaroslav Halak defied the odds to become a reliable NHL starter when he was drafted in the ninth round (No. 271) by the Montreal Canadiens in 2003. He played for seven teams, including Montreal, St. Louis, Washington, the New York Islanders, Boston, Vancouver, and the New York Rangers. His final NHL season was 2022-23 with the New York Rangers. During that time, he posted a 10-9-5 record in 25 games. In over 581 career games, Halak amassed 295 wins, ranking 14th among European-born goaltenders, with 53 shutouts and a 0.915 save percentage. Jaroslav Halak's one of the best performances was during the 2010 playoffs with Montreal. Trailing 3-1 against the top-seeded Washington Capitals, he delivered a historic performance, stopping 131 of 134 shots (0.978 save percentage) in the final three games to fuel a stunning seven-game upset. Montreal then defeated Pittsburgh before falling to Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference Final. In 39 playoff games, Halak recorded a 17-20 record, a 2.48 goals-against average (GAA), and a 0.919 save percentage, proving his ability to thrive under pressure. Jaroslav Halak's career peaked in 2014-15 with the New York Islanders, where he set a franchise record with 38 wins in 59 starts. In that season, he earned his only All-Star nod, posting a 2.43 GAA and six shutouts. He won the William M. Jennings Trophy twice for playing on the team allowing the fewest goals, sharing it with Brian Elliott (St. Louis, 2011-12) and Tuukka Rask (Boston, 2019-20). On the international stage, Jaroslav Halak played a significant role for Slovakia, starting at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and pushing his team to the bronze medal game. He also earned silver medals at the 2003 U18 World Championship and with Team Europe at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. After two years away from hockey, Jaroslav Halak told Slovak reporter Tomas Prokop, 'I'm done. I'll never put on the pads again.' He now focuses on family, supporting his children, Nathan and Inna, both aspiring goaltenders.
Graziadaily
15-07-2025
- Business
- Graziadaily
Everything To Know About Oliver Haarmann
Reese Witherspoon has a new leading man – and if those PDA pics are anything to go by, this duo is smitten. Enter Oliver Haarmann, the European-born private equity financier whose caught the eye of the Oscar winning actress and producer. The Legally Blonde star was recently spotted enjoying some quality time with financier Oliver, confirming what we've all been suspecting ever since their lowkey New York date last year. The pair were pictured soaking up the sun off the coast of Saint-Tropez this summer on a luxury yacht, swimming in the water before sharing a sweet kiss. So, who is the man who's swept one of Hollywood's most beloved stars off of her feet? Here's everything to know about Oliver Haarman... Carl Ludwig Oliver Haarman – who goes by the name Oliver - is a German born private-equity financier, having graduated from Brown University and Harvard Business School with a master's in business administration. Currently, he divides his time between London and New York. Born in September 1967, he is around 57 years old – making him eight years older than 49-year-old Reese. Oliver co-founded Searchlight Capital Partners in 2010, overseeing billions of pounds in assets. Before establishing his own private equity firm, he was a partner at KKR. As well as being very successful in his line of work, he's also a philanthropist. He's a trustee of Brown University, is said to chair IntoUniversity in the UK, and co-founded the Surgo Foundation – a charity he founded with his ex-wife Mela, and their friend Sema Sgaier. When it comes to his charity work, it seems Oliver's main passion is using his mammoth wealth to help disadvantaged children access university education. It also turns out that Oliver is a huge sports fan. The financier owns shares of the New York Islanders hockey team, having bought a 10% stake around December 2023. As of 2024, it was reported that the financier has a impressive net worth of around $440 million (£327.18 million), thanks to his many investments. Oliver shares two sons with his ex-wife, Mala Gaonker. A fellow financier, it's not know exactly how long Mala and Oliver were married – but it's speculated the pair split sometime before 2022. Around that time, Reese was also going through her own divorce. The Big Little Lies star was married to Jim Toth, 54, for 12 years. The couple – who share a son named Tennessee, 12 – announced their split in 2023, writing, 'We have enjoyed so many wonderful years together and are moving forward with deep love, kindness, and mutual respect for everything we have created together.' Reese with her ex-husband, Jim. ©Kevin Mazur/ Getty Images Prior the Jim, Reese was also married to actor Ryan Phillippe from 1999 to 2008, with the couple sharing daughter Ava, 25, and son Deacon, 21. The newly-single pair were first linked in July 2024, spotted dining together at L-Artusi in New York. According to insiders, Oliver flew the Legally Blonde star to New York via private helicopter. Who needs budget flights when you're a millionaire? Sources have described their romance as being very low key, with Reese's children reportedly fans. In October 2024, an insider said, '[Oliver] is spending time with Reese's kids too. Reese loves that he's a businessman and not into Hollywood.' Fast-forward to now, and it seems this is one relationship that's only on the up! In July 2025, the couple were photographed enjoying a yacht holiday in Saint-Tropez, cosying up as they swam in the waters. Charlotte Roberts is a news and entertainment writer at Grazia UK. She spends her days covering everything celebrity, culture, and entertainment.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Odigo Essential Launches in the UK: Fast, Flexible, AI-Ready CX for Mid-Sized Contact Centres
LONDON, July 15, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Amidst the noise and claims of CX revolutions, Odigo paused to ask a different question: "In the race to be more advanced, who's making sure everyone can still afford the basics?" The Need for an Alternative In a market where every release seems more complex, more layered—and more expensive—Odigo is acknowledging the need for a different approach—one that circles back to the heart of customer experience: connection, trust, and quality service, delivered simply. That thinking led to the launch of Odigo Essential, a brand-new offer for Mid-Sized Contact Centres. This streamlined version of the flagship contact centre solution is designed for organisations that are serious about CX but don't need the complexity of an enterprise suite. "In the rush to go bigger and more complex, the market has overlooked a key reality: not every contact centre wants or needs a full-scale enterprise suite," said Javier Llosá Guillén, Co-Ceo at Odigo. "Odigo Essential delivers what matters most — core CX features, AI readiness, fast deployment and exceptional value — all wrapped in a user-friendly, budget-conscious package." Three Tailored Packages, One Flexible Foundation Odigo Essential is available in three clearly defined packages to suit different operational needs: Essential Voice – for those focused on voice-centric customer service Essential Voice+Digital – when digital channels are needed on top of great voice Essential Voice+Digital+AI – to add AI capabilities as needed — without overhauling existing systems Built in Europe, Made for Europe As a European-born and based CCaaS provider, Odigo takes pride in offering solutions that meet the regulatory, security and operational needs of European businesses. Odigo Essential is developed and hosted in Europe, providing peace of mind around data privacy and compliance — while delivering best-in-class performance. Fast, Affordable, and Built to Scale Starting from just £35/user/month in the UK Deployment in as little as 6 weeks Backed by Odigo's trusted cloud infrastructure and voice quality leadership Fully supported by training, onboarding and customer success Whether you're launching a new contact centre or upgrading a legacy system, Odigo Essential provides a scalable, AI-ready platform that grows with your business — not against it. Conclusion Odigo Essential breaks the myth that advanced technology is only for large-scale players. Deploy optional AI capabilities as needed — without overhauling existing systems. Odigo Essential is built for contact centres with more than 50 agents looking for fast results, smarter CX, and European-grade reliability. "Innovation doesn't have to mean complexity. Sometimes, it's about making advanced capabilities more usable and more affordable," added Javier Llosá Guillén. To explore the packages visit: About Odigo Odigo is a global provider of Contact Centre as a Service (CCaaS) solutions that enhance interactions between brands and their customers. A pioneer in the French customer experience market and now a leading player in Europe, Odigo has been supporting more than 250 large enterprises across 100+ countries for nearly 40 years. Driven by a deep sense of professionalism, pragmatism, and innovation, Odigo stands out for the unrivalled reliability and robustness of its solution, offering the highest voice quality (MOS) in the market. Our experts help both private and public organisations select and deploy the best customer engagement models and AI solutions to maximise performance and satisfaction. View source version on Contacts Press: Odigo UK +44 (0)20 3925 4331 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
15-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Odigo Essential Launches in the UK: Fast, Flexible, AI-Ready CX for Mid-Sized Contact Centres
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Amidst the noise and claims of CX revolutions, Odigo paused to ask a different question: 'In the race to be more advanced, who's making sure everyone can still afford the basics?' The Need for an Alternative In a market where every release seems more complex, more layered—and more expensive—Odigo is acknowledging the need for a different approach—one that circles back to the heart of customer experience: connection, trust, and quality service, delivered simply. That thinking led to the launch of Odigo Essential, a brand-new offer for Mid-Sized Contact Centres. This streamlined version of the flagship contact centre solution is designed for organisations that are serious about CX but don't need the complexity of an enterprise suite. 'In the rush to go bigger and more complex, the market has overlooked a key reality: not every contact centre wants or needs a full-scale enterprise suite,' said Javier Llosá Guillén, Co-Ceo at Odigo. ' Odigo Essential delivers what matters most — core CX features, AI readiness, fast deployment and exceptional value — all wrapped in a user-friendly, budget-conscious package.' Three Tailored Packages, One Flexible Foundation Odigo Essential is available in three clearly defined packages to suit different operational needs: Essential Voice – for those focused on voice-centric customer service Essential Voice+Digital – when digital channels are needed on top of great voice Essential Voice+Digital+AI – to add AI capabilities as needed — without overhauling existing systems Built in Europe, Made for Europe As a European-born and based CCaaS provider, Odigo takes pride in offering solutions that meet the regulatory, security and operational needs of European businesses. Odigo Essential is developed and hosted in Europe, providing peace of mind around data privacy and compliance — while delivering best-in-class performance. Fast, Affordable, and Built to Scale Starting from just £35/user/month in the UK Deployment in as little as 6 weeks Backed by Odigo's trusted cloud infrastructure and voice quality leadership Fully supported by training, onboarding and customer success Whether you're launching a new contact centre or upgrading a legacy system, Odigo Essential provides a scalable, AI-ready platform that grows with your business — not against it. Conclusion Odigo Essential breaks the myth that advanced technology is only for large-scale players. Deploy optional AI capabilities as needed — without overhauling existing systems. Odigo Essential is built for contact centres with more than 50 agents looking for fast results, smarter CX, and European-grade reliability. 'Innovation doesn't have to mean complexity. Sometimes, it's about making advanced capabilities more usable and more affordable,' added Javier Llosá Guillén. To explore the packages visit: About Odigo Odigo is a global provider of Contact Centre as a Service (CCaaS) solutions that enhance interactions between brands and their customers. A pioneer in the French customer experience market and now a leading player in Europe, Odigo has been supporting more than 250 large enterprises across 100+ countries for nearly 40 years. Driven by a deep sense of professionalism, pragmatism, and innovation, Odigo stands out for the unrivalled reliability and robustness of its solution, offering the highest voice quality (MOS) in the market. Our experts help both private and public organisations select and deploy the best customer engagement models and AI solutions to maximise performance and satisfaction.
