This week in the sports media and marketing ecosystem, Ryan Blood joins ESPN, Joseph Louis Sherman bolsters the Lakers’ social media team, and Greg Economou parts ways with Ticketmaster.
For job openings and more on who’s moving where, check out the Hashtag Sports Weekly roundup.
ESPN Hires VP of Affiliate Sales
Disney and ESPN Media Networks have announced Ryan Blood as the company’s Vice President of Affiliate Sales. In his new role, Blood will head the office that handles distributors such as AT&T, Dish, and Hulu. Before joining the Disney company, Blood worked as Director of Content Strategy and Programming Acquisitions for Verizon’s Fios TV.
DAZN Names Company’s First Chief Corporate Communications Officer
Industry vet Nancy Elder has been named DAZN’s first Chief Corporate Communications Officer. In her newly created role, Elder will be tasked with overseeing DAZN’s corporate brand by building the company’s standing internationally with key business media and external stakeholders, as well as driving DAZN’s social responsibility initiatives. After nearly 25 years in the industry, Elder has held CCO roles with both Mattel and JetBlue Airways in addition to holding senior communications roles with Time Warner, General Electric, and Mastercard.
SB Nation Changes Continue With New Interim EIC
After a variety of changes within editorial leadership at SB Nation over the last few years, the flagship site has officially named Graham MacAree the new interim editor-in-chief. MacAree originally came to SB Nation when founding the site’s integrated engineering team back in 2014. Currently focused on writer development and innovative storytelling techniques, MacAree is excited to guide the site to “new and even weirder places.”
Twitch Sees Leadership Restructure
The tech giant Twitch is experiencing numerous internal shifts within their leadership team including Dan Clancy now serving as EVP of Creator and Community Experience and Lenke Taylor now serving as Chief People Officer. Additionally, the company is working on filling its new CMO vacancy.
Drone Racing League Brings On Company’s First Chief Partnerships Officer
Bryce Townsend is joining the Drone Racing League as the company’s first Chief Partnerships Officer. In his new role, Townsend is leading all partnerships revenue functions of the organization. Before joining the DRL, Townsend worked as Head of Solutions and Sales for ESP Properties.
Reebok’s Global CMO Leaves for Coca-Cola
Melanie Boulden is jumping from Reebok to Coca-Cola’s Venturing & Emerging Brands division. In her new role, Boulden will oversee investments into companies, entrepreneurs, technology, and products to add to the “rich pipeline of innovation flowing into [their] business”. Boulden worked as the Reebok’s Global CMO for just over a year after moving from Crayola as the company’s SVP of Global Marketing.
Tech-Vet CMO Shifts to the NBA
Kate Jhaveri has left the tech world to become the NBA’s new Chief Marketing Officer. In her new role, Jhaveri will be responsible for leading global marketing operations for the NBA, NBA G League, and NBA 2K League. This will include the development of marketing campaigns and brand messaging across all platforms to connect with fans. Prior to joining the NBA, Jhaveri most recently worked as Chief Marketing Officer for Twitch.
Lakers Expand on Social Team
In an Instagram post, Joseph Louis Sherman announced he will be joining the Los Angeles Lakers as the team’s new Social Media Manager. Sherman has held content roles at both the NBA and SLAM Magazine, and is recognized across social media for his knack for vibrant and powerful storytelling through photography. Sherman’s most recent visual storytelling work can be found within the cover of his newly published book, A Basketball Book About Black People.
Discovery Announces GM of Eurosport Digital
Paul Rehrig has been named General Manager of Eurosport Digital, the direct-to-consumer business of the European sports network. In his new role, Rehig will oversee the development and growth of Eurosport’s digital direct-to-consumer products including the company’s app, streaming service, and website. Prior to joining Eurosport Digital, Rehrig served as EVP of Digital and Business Development at AMC Networks for the last eight years.
Ticketmaster Head of Sports Announces Departure
In a recent LinkedIn post, Greg Economou publicized he will be leaving Ticketmaster after two and a half years with the company as Chief Commerical Officer and Head of Sports. Though not officially announced yet, Economou indicated he and a business partner will be launching a new venture that he hopes “will further change the game.” In preparation of the launch, Economou also highlighted his personal website in his post which showcases ways he has helped companies evolve and grow.
Carolina Panthers Add New Role in Director of Football Analytics
Taylor Rajack has been brought on by the Carolina Panthers to serve as the team’s first ever Director of Football Analytics. In his new role, Rajack is expanding on the building blocks previously established in the Panthers’ analytics department and working to become involved in all aspects of the team’s operations. Rajack previously worked with the Philadelphia Eagles for four years, most recently as Assistant Director of Football Analytics.
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