MLB has hired Gregory Murphy, former Kraft General Foods
bakery exec, as its new chief marketing officer, according to
BRANDWEEK. Execs at MLB Properties in New York were told about
the hire last week, and an announcement by acting MLB
Commissioner Bud Selig is expected tomorrow. MLB sources say
Murphy will oversee licensing, broadcasting and public relations
and will report directly to Selig, or a new commissioner. It is
"unclear" whether CT-based SMTI Group will continue to sell
corporate sponsorships for MLB. The firm has sold 13 thus far in
'96. Murphy was with Kraft from '73 until last October, when
CPC Int'l bought Kraft Foods' bakery division. He is also a
former Pepsi exec. MLB has operated without a top marketer for
more than two years, ever since Rick White left "under
circumstances never fully explained by MLB" and Rick Dudley left
to head NHL Enterprises (Terry Lefton, BRANDWEEK, 6/10 issue).
MLB Acting Commissioner Bud Selig has scheduled a business-
related press conference for tomorrow at 11:00am EDT (MLB).
