This Week’s Movers in Sports Media & Marketing
Talent Shifts in Sports Media: DAZN Hires Logan Swaim
By Team Hashtag • 3 min read
February 13, 2019
This week in the sports media and marketing ecosystem, DAZN hires Logan Swaim as executive producer for nightly MLB show, Stun launches a new cross-platform branding division, NBC brings on Chris Simms full-time and Concacaf names the league’s CCO.
For job openings and more on who’s moving where, check out the Hashtag Sports Weekly roundup.
Stun Launches Cross-Platform Branding Division
The Los Angeles-based content studio and commercial production company Stun has released a new division that will focus on cross-platform branding, with industry veteran Renee Samms spearheading the unit. Samms joins the company after previously working as a consultant with clients including UnInterrupted with Lebron James’ Spring Hill, The NoiseHouse, Trap Nation and more.
PFT Live Co-Host to Join NBC Full-Time
Chris Simms announced he will be joining NBC Sports full-time to not only increase his PFT Live weekly appearances, but also begin producing daily unique football content for the network’s website and social media. The former NFL quarterback has been on the media scene with Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, CBS and NBC Sports since 2013, but will work exclusively with NBC Sports beginning next month.
Concacaf Names Tenured CCO
Heidi Pellerano has been appointed as Chief Commercial Officer of Concacaf after most recently serving as EVP of Brands with Wasserman Media Group. In her new role, Pellerano’s oversight will stretch across business development, partnership marketing, media distribution and more. Prior to her 11-year tenure with Wasserman, Pellerano also worked with the WNBA, Russell Athletics, and OnSport.
DAZN Hires Logan Swaim as New Executive Producer
DAZN hires Logan Swaim as its new executive producer for the streaming service’s new nightly MLB show for the 2019 season. In his new role, Swaim will oversee production for the nightly show on DAZN from the MLB Network studios in Secaucus, N.J. Swaim says he and his team are determined to establish the new show as a must-have for today’s baseball fan.
Fandom Gains Long-Time Digital Media Exec
The fan-culture platform known as Fandom has hired Perkins Miller to be the company’s new CEO. Miller joins the company with a diverse background after previously working with the NFL, WWE, NBC Universal, Time Inc. and more. Most recently, Miller worked with StubHub as the ticketing service’s GM of American Operations.
Puma Group Announces Global Head of Marketing
Cesar Vizcarrondo has been named Puma Group’s Global Head of Marketing. In the new role, he will define the brand’s marketing and communications strategy. Vizcarrondo has previously held roles with Jako Enterprises and Converse.
Hulu Hires Senior Ad Team
Two senior advertising executives are joining Hulu to head two of the four new sales units with the video streaming service. Jennifer Donohue (previously with Entercom Communications) has been named VP of Local Advertising Sales and Tracie Maffei (previously with Google) has been named VP of Strategic Accounts and Performance Marketing.
NBC Sports Taps DAZN Exec
NBC Sports Bay Area and NBC Sports California have announced Juan Maio as the networks’ VP of Sales. In his new role, Maio will oversee all advertising revenue for the networks’ multi-platform assets of its core programming, including MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL regional broadcasts. Maio previously worked with DAZN as the company’s Senior Regional Vice President.
PodcastOne Hires Barstool EVP
Peter Morris has been hired as PodcastOne’s CEO after formerly serving as EVP of Barstool Sports for a brief period. In his new role, Morris will manage all day-to-day operations of the podcast network. In addition to Barstool Sports, Morris has previously worked with both Funny or Die and IMAX.
Breeders’ Cup SVP Steps Down
Bryan Pettigrew is stepping away from the Breeders’ Cup as SVP of Marketing and Sponsorship to pursue other interests. Pettigrew has been with the Breeders’ Cup since early 2015 after previously working with the National Thoroughbred Racing Association since 2011.
TikTok Expands to US with YouTube Vet Hiring
Vanessa Pappas has been named TikTok’s General Manager to oversee United States operations. The hiring of Pappas represents an increased focus on growing the app’s presence in the US. Previously, Pappas worked with YouTube as the company’s Global Head of Creative Insights.
Hawks Announce Series of Marketing Promotions
The Atlanta Hawks have released a series of promotions within their marketing department: Narcis Alikhani has been named Senior Manager of Marketing Strategy, Annabelle Bower has been named Manager of Advertising and Promotions and Annie Finberg has been named Senior Coordinator of Digital Content, amongst others.
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