MLB CMO Jacqueline Parkes is leaving the league after 21 years, a stint in which she became the first female CMO in pro sports and played a major role in deepening baseball’s role as a social institution. Parkes, in the CMO spot since '08 after starting in '95 as Dir of Advertising & Promotions, helped created Jackie Robinson Day and Roberto Clemente Day on the sport’s annual calendar, along with leaguewide cancer awareness events. She ultimately expanded her role to oversee baseball’s community affairs, research, ticketing analytics and design services.
Parkes also chaired several internal league committees, including the Commissioner’s Ticketing Review Committee created by former MLB Commissioner and current Commissioner Emeritus Bud Selig. Parkes’ resignation will be effective May 1. While she is leaving to pursue other opportunities, her next destination is not yet known. The league does not intend to immediately fill the CMO position Parkes will vacate. “Jacqueline is an accomplished executive and has been a valued colleague to us throughout her 21 years at Major League Baseball,” said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. “We appreciate her many contributions to our games, particularly through her passionate focus on charitable initiatives.”
