This Week’s Movers in Sports Media & Marketing

This week in the sports media and marketing ecosystem, NBC Sports’ Rob Simmelkjaer steps down as SVP, USA Gymnastics announces their new President and a former hockey player joins NHL Seattle to lead tech efforts.

For job openings and more on who’s moving where, check out the Hashtag Sports Weekly roundup.

NBC Sports Rob Simmelkjaer Steps Down As SVP

Rob Simmelkjaer has announced he is parting ways with NBC Sports after working as the company’s SVP for over seven years. In a LinkedIn update, Simmelkjaer mentioned that he will soon be “announcing a new venture that is [a] culmination of everything” he has done in his career thus far. Prior to NBC Sports, Simmelkjaer worked under both ESPN and ABC.

USA Gymnastics Announces New President

NBA VP of Global Partnerships Li Li Leung has been appointed as USA Gymnastics’ new President and CEO. Prior to her most recent role with the NBA, Leung also held positions under Helios Partners and ZOU Marketing. Leung is set to assume her role with USA Gymnastics this March.

Former Hockey Player Joins Seattle’s New NHL Franchise to Lead Tech Efforts

Todd Humphrey is stepping away from his position as CEO of the Seattle-based startup LiquidPlanner in order to serve as SVP of Digital and Fan Experience for Seattle’s new professional hockey franchise. Humphrey will combine his two passions, hockey and tech, in his new role with the franchise where he will lead technology-related integrations. In addition to his most recent role at LiquidPlanner, Humphrey has also held positions at League Inc, Kobo Books, and Amazon.

Former Refinery29 VP of Marketing Solutions & Client Services Joins Whistle

Whistle Sports has tapped Alison Meyer to serve as the company’s VP of Marketing. In her new role, Meyer will oversee partnership marketing for the company’s original programming and branded content. Meyer most recently served as VP of Marketing Solutions and Client Services with Refinery29.

ASICS America Corporation Appoints EVP of Sales

Richard Sullivan has been named EVP of Sales, Categories, and Marketing for ASICS North America division. Sullivan most recently served as ASICS Canada Corporation’s President for the past two years. TaylorMade Golf and Reebok are amongst other noteworthy companies in which Sullivan has previously held roles.

Fox Names Two New Hires for NASCAR Coverage

Lindsay Czarniak and Sara Walsh will be joining Fox’s NASCAR Race Hub broadcast, FS1’s main NASCAR studio show. The two are set to share duties on both the Thursday and weekend versions of the show. Czarniak and Walsh both previously worked with ESPN until 2017, and have since worked in a variety of other roles.

Professional Fighters League Name Dan Ghosh-Roy as CDO

Dan Ghosh-Roy has been named the Professional Fighters League CDO after previously working with Complex Networks as SVP of Marketing and Audience Development. In his new role, Ghosh-Roy will oversee all audience, engagement, product, programming, promotion, and technology at the company in efforts of expanding the league’s direct-to-consumer platform and capabilities.

Los Angeles Chargers Tap Redskins CMO

After working as the Washington Redskins’ CMO, Steven Ziff has moved to the Los Angeles Chargers’ front office to work in the same role as the team’s new CMO. In addition to the Redskins, Ziff has also worked with the Jacksonville Jaguars, San Diego Padres, and Florida Panthers.

Apple Taps iPhone Exec as First Head of Marketing for AR

Frank Casanova has been assigned to head Apple’s marketing for augmented reality after working over two decades with the tech giant. In his new role, Casanova will oversee all aspects of product marketing for the company’s augmented reality initiative. The tenured iPhone executive has held a major role in launching the original iPhone and developing older Apple products such as QuickTime video player.

Jill Gregory Expands on Role as NASCAR EVP and CMO

NASCAR’s EVP and CMO Jill Gregory will begin developing her current job duties to a larger degree. She will start to lead broadcasting, communications, and NASCAR’s digital platforms. Gregory currently oversees brand marketing, team and driver marketing, content strategy, and analytics and insight.

World Surf League Names SVP

Pat O’Connell has been appointed World Surf League SVP of Tours and Head of Compensation. In his new role, O’Connell will oversee the commissioner’s office roles and responsibilities from WSL’s office in Los Angeles. O’Connell previously served as VP of Sports Marketing at Hurley.

Miami Dolphins Announces Series of New Hires

The Miami Dolphins have announced a series of new hires in the team’s front office. Steve Mullins has been named VP of Corporate Partnerships, Laura Sandall has been announced as VP of Marketing, Moni Gerbini has been named VP of Ticket Sales, and Jamie Weinstein has been named VP of Membership & Premium Service.

Know someone with a new gig who should be featured? Submit a tip.