The NFL has hired former ESPN VP/Content Strategy & Global X RON SEMIAO "to oversee NFL Network programming and the league’s media events, including the Super Bowl halftime show," according to John Ourand in this week's SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL. Semiao will report to NFL Network Senior VP/Programming & Production MARK QUENZEL and will be based in L.A. Semiao will be "tasked with developing concepts to help program the network and evolve into events" (SPORTBUSINESS JOURNAL, 7/22 issue).
STEPPING DOWN: NHL Exec VP/Content CHARLES COPLIN has resigned, "leaving the league less than three years after being hired away from the NFL." Coplin is "expected to remain with the league as a consultant on major events, including the Winter Classic and All-Star games" (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 7/22 issue).
EXECS: The WTA has named IMG Senior VP/Business Development STEVE TSENG as its first head of global sponsorship sales, starting next week. Tseng, a 20-year veteran of IMG, will "take over the role and report directly to" WTA Chair & CEO STACEY ALLASTER. The sales role previously "fell under the marketing department." Tseng most recently was Senior VP/U.S. Business Development for IMG Consulting (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 7/22 issue)....IRG Sports & Entertainment on Friday launched a new website, www.IRGSE.com, and made a number of hires. The company hired DANIEL CARPENTER to manage sponsorship sales and staff, AIDY ALONZO to head marketing, branding and communications campaigns, and HILLARY O'BRIAN to manage the finances and accounting staff. The website is designed to provide a corporate overview of the company while promoting its subsidiaries. Meanwhile, IRG also has entered into an agreement with family entertainment event company Feld (IRG)....The USGA named Massachusetts Golf Association Exec Dir JOE SPRAGUE Dir of Regional Affairs for the Northeast. He will "become the liaison for the USGA with all the state associations from Virginia to Canada." His new office will be at the USGA's Golf House in Far Hills, N.J. (PROVIDENCE JOURNAL, 7/22).
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