ESPN’s top marketing exec Laura Gentile is leaving the sports giant after a 20-year career to launch her own business.
As part of the move, Tina Thornton is being promoted to executive vp, creative studio and marketing, in the latest management shuffle at ESPN after it became its own division within Disney. ESPN chief Jimmy Pitaro, in an internal memo obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, said Gentile’s departure to open her own shop was “bittersweet news.”
“Laura’s strategic leadership and creativity have been vital to growing the ESPN brand, ESPN’s relationship with fans and our audience expansion efforts,” Pitaro added of Gentile. Her responsibilities at ESPN included developing and overseeing brand marketing across media and expanding ESPN’s reach to new audiences and sports fans.
In March, Pitaro restructured his senior leadership team, with Thornton taking on additional duties to lead content production and operations, while...
As part of the move, Tina Thornton is being promoted to executive vp, creative studio and marketing, in the latest management shuffle at ESPN after it became its own division within Disney. ESPN chief Jimmy Pitaro, in an internal memo obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, said Gentile’s departure to open her own shop was “bittersweet news.”
“Laura’s strategic leadership and creativity have been vital to growing the ESPN brand, ESPN’s relationship with fans and our audience expansion efforts,” Pitaro added of Gentile. Her responsibilities at ESPN included developing and overseeing brand marketing across media and expanding ESPN’s reach to new audiences and sports fans.
In March, Pitaro restructured his senior leadership team, with Thornton taking on additional duties to lead content production and operations, while...
- 6/21/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Connor Schell, ESPN’s content boss, has confirmed that he is leaving the Disney-owned sports network to set up his own independent production company.
Schell, one of the architects of the broadcaster’s 30 for 30 documentary strand and exec producer on Michael Jordan series The Last Dance and Oj: Made In America, will leave the business on January 8.
Separately, Jodi Markley, Executive Vice President, Content Operations & Creative Services, is retiring and will step down April 2. Markley has been with the business since 1989.
This comes after ESPN unveils cut around 500 jobs worldwide including around 300 layoffs – around 10% of its workforce.
Schell has not offered many details of his new venture, although he will still work closely with ESPN Films and on the 30 for 30 strand and The ESPYs. He will also continue to serve as exec producer of its Colin Kaepernick docuseries and nine-part Tom Brady docuseries Man in the Arena.
Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman,...
Schell, one of the architects of the broadcaster’s 30 for 30 documentary strand and exec producer on Michael Jordan series The Last Dance and Oj: Made In America, will leave the business on January 8.
Separately, Jodi Markley, Executive Vice President, Content Operations & Creative Services, is retiring and will step down April 2. Markley has been with the business since 1989.
This comes after ESPN unveils cut around 500 jobs worldwide including around 300 layoffs – around 10% of its workforce.
Schell has not offered many details of his new venture, although he will still work closely with ESPN Films and on the 30 for 30 strand and The ESPYs. He will also continue to serve as exec producer of its Colin Kaepernick docuseries and nine-part Tom Brady docuseries Man in the Arena.
Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman,...
- 11/9/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
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