NBC Sports yesterday named ERIC GRILLY the new president of Alli Sports, the media group's action sports division. Grilly, who was introduced to Alli Sports staff in Chicago, will oversee the Dew Tour and NBC's partnerships with the Red Bull Signature Series and Lucas Oil AMA Motocross series. He replaces WADE MARTIN, who is leaving to join Powdr Corp. Grilly most recently served as Exec VP & Chief Digital Officer for NBC Sports Regional Networks, formerly known as Comcast SportsNet. NBC Sports Ventures Senior VP ROB SIMMELKJAER, who oversees Alli Sports, said Grilly was tapped for the position because of his proven ability to manage other businesses and his knowledge of digital media. Simmelkjaer wants AlliSports.com to become the online destination for action and adventure sports. He added, "We wanted someone who had a proven track record of running a proven business successfully. When I looked at what (Eric had) done in every position he'd been in, I saw a proven track record of a guy who grows businesses and knows how to grow audiences. He had the skills to take over this next phase of the Alli business." In addition to enhancing Alli Sports digital offering, Simmelkjaer said he expects Grilly to continue to add more properties to the divisions portfolio and explore the creation of international Dew Tour events.
INEXPERIENCE NOT AN ISSUE: Simmlekjaer said that Grilly's inexperience in the world of action sports would not be an issue. Simmelkjaer: "We certainly talked about it, but when you look at Wade, he came into that space without that background as a snowboarder or skateboarder. He brought to the table great insight as a business person and an ability to work with brands. Eric brings that exact same skill set to the table. The action sports side, knowing the athletes and the sports, will certainly come with time. We have a staff at Alli who's well versed in this stuff from (Chief Creative Officer) CHRIS MILLER to (VP) CHRIS PRYBYLO to (Dew Tour GM) KENNY MITCHELL." Grilly is in the process of relocating from Philadelphia to Chicago.
