This week in the sports media and marketing ecosystem, Bleacher Report hires Sam Toles as Chief Content Officer, Octagon welcomes their new VP of Integrated Marketing, and the FCFL expands on the league’s team ownership holders.
For job openings and more on who’s moving where, check out the Hashtag Sports Weekly roundup.
Bleacher Report Hires Sam Toles as Chief Content Officer
Sam Toles has been named Bleacher Report’s chief content officer. In his new role, Toles will head the digital sports media company that is currently reaching an audience of more than 250 million highly engaged fans across all of Bleacher Report’s platforms. Toles most recently served as SVP of Digital and New Platforms at MGM. The hiring comes on the heels of the company’s announcement to develop sports betting content from a B/R branded studio in the Caesars Palace Las Vegas sportsbook.
Octagon Welcomes VP of Integrated Marketing
Emily Sisson has joined Octagon as Vice President of agency’s Integrated Marketing group driving golf-related partnerships and experiences. In her new role, Sisson will work with a number of Octagon’s team brands to leverage her extensive golf industry experience across a multitude of partnerships and ambassador relationships. Sisson most recently worked as Vice President of Lagardere Sports where she also served as the agency’s liaison to the PGA Tour.
FCFL Expands on Team Owners
Chad Johnson has been revealed as the latest former NFLer to join the Fan Controlled Football League. Johnson is set to become a team owner, as well as Fan Captain, in the league that allows players to run teams, make roster moves, and even play calls. Marshawn Lynch and Richard Sherman are amongst other notable names involved in the FCFL.
Instagram Execs Stepping Away From Company
Clifford Hopkins is stepping down from his role at Instagram as Head of Marketing. Hopkins says he is leaving the social media giant to “pursue new interests and to be closer to his family on the East Coast.” Instagram is set to replace Hopkins’ role with a Global VP of Marketing role based out of the company’s West Coast offices.
Complexity Gaming Hires CMO
Jerry Jones’ esports company Complexity Gaming has named Cameron Kelly as its new Chief Marketing Officer. In his new role, Kelly will oversee all of the company’s marketing initiatives while navigating the fast-paced, complex esports landscape. Kelly most recently worked with United Entertainment Group as Director of Strategy.
Former Vice CFO Moves to Barstool
Wajeeha Ahmed has recently joined Barstool Sports as the company’s Chief Financial Officer. Ahmed’s hire directly reflects the expansion of Barstool’s predominantly female-led management team. Ahmed most recently served in the same role with Vice Media after previously working with Time Inc. and Shell.
MLS Announces Series of Exec Leadership Promotions
Gary Stevenson is a part of a series of executive leadership promotions recently announced by Major League Soccer. In his new role, Stevenson will assume the title of Deputy Commissioner and President of MLS Business Ventures where he will oversee the domestic and international commercial business of MLS which includes Soccer United Marketing, media and broadcasting, consumer products, special events and more.
Longtime Fox RSN Exec Promoted
Randy Stephens is set to take on a variety of new duties in his promotion to Senior Vice President and General Manager of Fox Sports Ohio and SportsTime Ohio. In his new role, Stephens will oversee the company’s production, marketing, team relations, advertising sales, and more. Stephens most recently served as an executive producer of Fox Sports South, Fox Sports Carolinas, Fox Sports Tennessee, and Fox Sports Southeast.
BIG Esports Introduce VP of Business Development
James Bryce-Lind has been named VP of Business Development of BIG Esports. In his new role, Bryce-Lind will be heading a new initiative focused on the rising gaming influencer scene. Bryce-Lind has been with BIG Esports for the past year in an advisory capacity and previously worked with Patersons Securities Limited as an investment advisor.
Mycujoo Appoints CCO
Michiel Hofstee has been appointed to Chief Commercial Officer of the Amsterdam-based streaming company mycujoo. In his new role, Hofstee will play a key role in evolving the company’s international coverage and presence. Hofstee most recently served as Director of Health and Wellness in the MENA region with WPP.
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