This week in the sports media and marketing ecosystem, Bruno Rocha to head DAZN’s new Brazil operation, Pac-12 Networks hires Executive VP of Sales, and Ric Bucher joins FS1.
For job openings and more on who’s moving where, check out the Hashtag Sports Weekly roundup.
Bruno Rocha Set to Lead DAZN’s Brazil Launch
With DAZN’s launch in their ninth market, Brazil, only a few weeks away, the streaming service has appointed Bruno Rocha as Executive Vice President of Revenue in South America’s most populous country. Rocha will be joining from Perform Group—which was formerly owned by DAZN. He will be in charge of overseeing DAZN’s launch and growth in Brazil in addition to building up the brand with fans, partners and rights holders. Rocha has past experience in Latin America, managing the NBA’s business development in the region.
Pac-12 Networks Hires New EVP of Sales
Pac-12 Networks named Steve Tseng as the media company’s Executive Vice President of Sales. Tseng most recently served as Senior Vice President of Endeavor and brings with him over 25 years of experience. He is slated to start the role in mid-May and will focus on finding new innovative partnerships for the Pac-12 Networks. “Tseng will be a great addition to our team as we continue to explore ways to deliver value to our member schools,” said President Mark Shuken.
49ers Announce New CMO
The San Francisco 49ers have appointed Alex Chang as their new Chief Marketing Officer. With over 20 years of marketing experience, Chang joins the Bay Area football team after stints with American Express, IMG, Wasserman and most recently Samsung Electronics America where he served as Head of Partnership Marketing. Chang is set to lead all areas of marketing including brand marketing, communications, game/event presentation, creative services, content, media, digital, social and community programs.
USGA’s Newest C-Suite Addition Comes from Within
The U.S. Golf Association has promoted from within their ranks, tapping Navin Singh to fill the role of Chief Commercial Officer (previously held by Sarah Hirshland). Having joined the USGA in 2016, Singh was serving as Managing Director of Global Content and Media Distribution for the governing body. Before joining USGA Singh had successful stints with Scripps Network, WWE, Wasserman, the Golf Channel, and Accenture.
NBC Sports Vet Joins Octagon as VP of Global Communications
Octagon named Alex Rozis as Vice President of Global Communications. In the role, Rozis will oversee communications, publicity and media relations for the family of agencies that includes Octagon and Rogers & Cowan. Rozis joins after nearly two decades with ESPN and NBC Sports Group, most recently serving as Senior Director of Communications for many of NBC Sports’ signature properties and platforms including NASCAR, NHL, NFL, Olympics, NBC Sports Films and original programming.
Ric Bucher Joining FS1 as NBA Analyst
FS1 is adding to their roster of NBA talent with the hiring of Ric Bucher who is set to join their programming as an NBA analyst. Bucher has been at Bleacher Report since 2014 and will continue working with the publisher in addition to producing his podcast in this non-exclusive role. The writer is expected to bring a new perspective to FS1’s long list of strong on-camera personalities.
Roc Nation Sports Hires Athlete Brand Management Executive
Roc Nation has added Chris Gesue to their sports arm as the new Vice President of Sales and Athlete Brand Management. He joins the Jay-Z owned talent agency after previous experience with the WWE and G/5 Global Sports & Entertainment Consulting. Gesue will lead brand partnership development for Roc Nation’s roster of NBA, NFL, MLB, and international soccer players throughout North America.
Penske Promotes Jonathan Gibson to New Executive Marketing Role
Penske Corporation has promoted Jonathan Gibson to Executive VP of Marketing & Business Development, jumping from the motorsports team to Roger Penk’s holding company. Prior to the promotion Gibson worked for Team Penske as VP of Marketing & Communications.
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