The NHL yesterday named HEIDI BROWNING Exec VP & CMO. Browning, who most recently served as Pandora Senior VP/Strategic Solutions, will focus on the league’s digital and social initiatives and developments, as well as its marketing campaigns, technologies and strategies. She also will oversee the league’s environmental initiatives and its public affairs efforts, as well as work with MLBAM regarding the league’s social platforms. She also previously worked at Universal McCann and Fox Interactive Media. Her first day is Oct. 10. The league also is undergoing a number of changes related to its organizational structure, all effective immediately. Exec VP BRIAN JENNINGS has been named Chief Branding Officer, and will continue to oversee consumer products and licensing, as well as the identity, development and positioning of the league’s brand. He will also jointly oversee partnership marketing efforts with KEITH WACHTEL, who will continue in his role as Exec VP/Global Partnerships and now assume the title of Chief Revenue Officer. Additionally, Exec VP/Strategic Planning STEPHEN MCARDLE will add the role of Chief Administrative Officer, contributing to the oversight and coordination of day-to-day business and media functions. Exec VP and Exec Producer of Programming & Creative Development STEVE MAYER will assume the title of Exec VP & Chief Content Officer. DAVID PROPER will assume the role of Exec VP/Media & Int'l Strategy, overseeing all TV rights-holder relations in addition to his existing responsibilities, which include media strategy and distribution, and broadcast business affairs. All of the aforementioned execs will report directly to NHL Commissioner GARY BETTMAN (Ian Thomas, Staff Writer). ADWEEK's Katie Richards noted Browning's appointment marks a "milestone within the sports industry," as three women now "sit in the chief marketing officer role at three of the major sports leagues." Browning joins NFL CMO DAWN HUDSON and NBA CMO PAM EL (ADWEEK.com, 9/28).
