Senior-level Disney/ESPN execs welcomed NFL Network employees to the company Wednesday with a breakfast informational session, a welcome package of swag and a joint memo to new “teammates” from Jimmy Pitaro, Judy Agay, Chara-Lynn Aguiar, Nell DeVane, Rosalyn Durant, Rita Ferro, Josh Krulewitz, Burke Magnus, Denise Pellegrini, Adam Smith, Tina Thornton and Jimmy Zasowski. ESPN execs will be on-site at NFL Net HQ in California this week, with more events for new employees plan, including a networking opportunity on Thursday.
There were also some executive transitions with the move, including Charlie Yook continuing to have oversight of NFL Network. Yook, who will be VP & Exec Producer/Content Production, will report into ESPN EVP/Sports Production Mike McQuade. Also on the content side, Todd Sperry will transition to the role of VP & Exec Editor, reporting to ESPN EVP and Exec Editor/Sports News & Entertainment Dave Roberts.
On April 13, Jessica Lee will join as VP/Production Operations & Engineering, with oversight of NFL Network and its Hollywood Park facilities. She’ll report to ESPN SVP/Content Operations Chris Calcinari. Also reporting to Calcinari will be Tony Cole, who moves into the role of VP/Media Operations. Sarah Parsons also will be joining ESPN as VP/Programming & Acquisitions, with oversight of NFL Net. She’ll report to ESPN SVP/League Programming & Acquisitions Julie Sobieski.
The memo from ESPN to NFL Network employees read, “Today, we officially welcome our NFL Network colleagues to ESPN, and we couldn’t be more excited about what this historic moment represents for our company and our future. For sports fans, it means stronger, more connected coverage -- bringing together storytelling, insight and innovation to deliver enhanced football experiences across platforms and throughout the year.
“We have always been at our best when talented people come together around a shared purpose. We are driven by a responsibility to serve sports fans anytime, anywhere -- and that mission only becomes stronger as we bring in new voices, perspectives and expertise. The addition of our NFL Network colleagues reinforces our commitment to collaboration, creative excellence and being the very best at what we do.
“ESPN’s success is built on teamwork, trust and an inclusive culture. We value thoughtful discussion, healthy debate and learning from each other. As new teammates join us, we ask everyone to lead with curiosity, openness and a collaborative spirit. “This moment also comes at an important time for ESPN. From strategic rights deals and record performance across linear, digital and social platforms, to our continued focus on innovation, quality storytelling and audience expansion -- and the launch of our Direct-to-Consumer service and enhanced app -- we are building for the future. The future is bright -- and we’re just getting started.”
