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ESPN has named Burke Magnus as president of content, amid a broader shakeup to the US-based sports broadcasting giant’s leadership team after Bob Iger’s return as Disney chief executive.
Magnus has held multiple executive positions during his 28-year career at ESPN, most recently serving as president of programming and original content. In his new role, he will lead on ESPN’s programming, original productions, and live content, including the sports media giant’s news operation. His brief also covers ESPN’s audio, digital and social media operations.
“[Magnus] has led teams responsible for some of the most important and impactful content at ESPN, both licensed and developed,” said ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro.
“He is a strong relationship builder, both internally across Disney, and externally with our league partners, and will bring valuable institutional and industry knowledge to his new role as he builds upon our history of developing unparalleled storytelling across platforms.”
The appointment was announced by Pitaro, who is being charged with a greater share of senior corporate responsibility by Iger, in a statement shared with the company’s staff, which also listed a number of new hires.
Rosalyn Durant will return to ESPN as vice president of programming and acquisitions. Durant moves back from overseeing Disney’s parks division and will focus on negotiating the sports media company’s major upcoming rights deals, including the key domestic National Basketball Association (NBA) broadcast partnership. Pitaro confirmed that there will be some overlap in duties between Magnus and Durant as the latter transitions out of her role at Disney.
The reshuffle at ESPN will also see Tina Thornton take on more responsibilities overseeing the production operations group, and Laura Gentile will now lead the marketing team.
Elsewhere, Noel Le Graet has officially resigned as president of the French Football Federation (FFF), following an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment. The FFF is currently battling multiple issues, with a number of women’s national team players, including captain Wendie Renard, saying they will not play the upcoming World Cup due to issues with the French ‘system’.
Canada Soccer president Nick Bontis has also left his role, amid an ongoing dispute over salaries for the men’s and women’s national teams. Last month, Canada captain Christine Sinclair stated that the team had been ‘forced back to work’ after reversing their decision to conduct a player strike amid legal threats from the national soccer body.
During Canada’s women’s recent international friendly against the USA in the SheBelieves Cup, players wore shirts with messaging ‘enough is enough’, amid calls for Bontis’ resignation.
In other news, DAZN has confirmed that Kevin Mayer is leaving the media company’s board of directors after the expiry of his fixed two-year contract on 1st March.
Appointments
Victor Montagliani
President, Concacaf
Note: After being re-elected to the role, Montagliani will serve his third term until 2027
Susie Wolff
Managing director, Formula One Academy
Note: The Academy is a new all-female junior racing series comprising 15 drivers and 21 races
Jacques Raynaud
Chief executive, European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR)
Previously: Chief executive, MyTVchain
Fred Perpall
President, United States Golf Association (USGA)
Previously: Chair, USGA Championship Committee
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani
Chairman, Local Organising Committee, AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023
Note: Qatar Football Association general secretary Mansoor Al-Ansari also appointed as committee’ managing director
Hassan El Kamah
Commercial director, Confederation of African Football (CAF)
Previously: Commercial assets director, Sela Sport
Joanne Warnes
Managing director, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Octagon
Previously: Managing director of Southeast Asia and India, Octagon
Kurt Hunzeker
Executive vice president of commercial operations, National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Previously: Vice president, minor league business operations, Major League Baseball (MLB)
Chris Overhalt
Senior vice president of global partnerships, MSG Sports
Previously: Chief executive, Overactive Media
Ken Turner
Chief marketing officer, Fanatics Collectibles
Previously: Chief marketing officer, Red Bull North America
Omar Wilkes
Head of athlete relations, Fanatics Collectibles
Previously: Head of basketball, Klutch Sports Group
Robin Eletto
Chief people officer, TMRW Sports
Previously: Chief people officer, Fanatics
Wendell Haskins
Strategic advisor of social impact and community relations, TMRW Sports
Note: Haskins is the founder and chief executive of the Original Tee Golf Company, an agency and lifestyle brand promoting diversity and inclusion in golf.
Ken Aagaard
Vice president of broadcast technology, TMRW Sports
Previously: Aagard has held a number of executive media positions at companies such as NBC and CBS Sports over career spanning more than 50 years.
Departures
Tina Shah
Executive vice president and general manager, Warner Bros Discovery Sports
George Killebrew
Commissioner, Major League Rugby (MLR)
Marcel Reese
Chief strategy officer, Las Vegas Raiders
Note: Reece is one of three departures from the National Football League (NFL) franchise, after senior vice president of public affairs Rosie Bone and Raiders’ foundation executive director Alan Diskin also left the team.
