ESPN’s top marketing executive, Laura Gentile, is leaving the company after a 20-year career to start her own business. As a result of this move, Tina Thornton will be promoted to the position of executive vice president of creative studio and marketing. This announcement comes after ESPN became its own division within Disney.
Gentile’s departure is described by ESPN chief Jimmy Pitaro as “bittersweet news.” He adds that Gentile’s strategic leadership and creativity have been instrumental in the growth of the ESPN brand, the expansion of the audience, and the development of ESPN’s relationship with fans.
Throughout her time at ESPN, Gentile has been responsible for developing and overseeing brand marketing across various media platforms. She has also played a pivotal role in expanding ESPN’s reach to new audiences and sports fans.
The management shuffle at ESPN began in March when Pitaro restructured his senior leadership team. Tina Thornton was given additional responsibilities to lead content production and operations, while Gentile was appointed to oversee marketing for ESPN.
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Gentile expresses her gratitude for the opportunities she had while working at ESPN. She states, “To work at a truly special place for 20+ years with people who are deeply passionate is a gift. Every major life change for me has happened at ESPN. The marketing team is now deep and experienced, and it’s the right time for me to do new things, pursue fresh challenges and start my own shop. I’m incredibly energized and eternally grateful.”
Under Gentile’s leadership, the marketing team at ESPN has captivated sports fans with influential campaigns such as “There’s No Place Like Sports,” the revival of “This is SportsCenter,” and the launch of “One App, One Tap.” The team has also produced industry-leading advertising and promotion for various sports content, including the NFL, NBA, NHL, Formula 1, and MLB.
While Gentile will be missed, Tina Thornton is expected to continue the marketing efforts at ESPN. Known for her exceptional leadership skills and commitment to supporting career advancement, Thornton has excelled in several high-profile positions at ESPN. In her 30-year career at the company, she has been involved in various aspects of content production and has held creative leadership positions.
In addition to her new role as executive vice president of creative studio and marketing, Thornton will continue to oversee Creative Studio, led by Carrie Brzezinski-Hsu, and ESPN Citizenship, led by Kevin Martinez. Reporting to Thornton in marketing will be Seth Ader, Ryan Campbell, Rachel Epstein, Curtis Friends, Brian Iglesias, Lynn Kadri, Inna Kern, and Chris McClure.
As part of the reorganization, production operations, ESPN Directing, ESPN Next, management operations, and production management will all move to the Content area at ESPN. More details about this new structure will be shared by Burke Magnus, President of Content, later.
Gentile will remain with ESPN to aid in the transition until the beginning of October. Pitaro expresses his gratitude for her dedication to the company and wishes her success in her future endeavors.
In conclusion, Laura Gentile’s departure from ESPN marks the end of a 20-year career at the sports giant. Her strategic leadership and creativity have played a significant role in the growth of the ESPN brand. Tina Thornton’s promotion to executive vice president of creative studio and marketing ensures that ESPN’s marketing efforts will continue to be successful. The management shuffle reflects ESPN’s commitment to adapting to changing industry dynamics and maintaining its position as a leader in sports media.
