WWE
When Julie Sbuttoni started at WWE nearly 12 years ago, an incredibly exciting (and daunting) challenge would soon head her way — how to create a network for the company, and do so from scratch.
The WWE Network came to fruition in 2014, with Sbuttoni and her team building every large and minute piece needed for the direct-to-consumer network. “It was unbelievable — to build a team and launch it in eight months and market it,” said Sbuttoni, the WWE’s senior vice president of creative services. “It was tremendously challenging, and a lot of fun.”
But maybe Sbuttoni’s crowning achievement is running a team of 70-plus during an event calendar that spans the globe and never stops. She leads the graphic designers, copywriters, producers, editors and photographers that enhance the voice of the brand, as well as the personas of its stars. Her crew produces approximately 2,200 design assets and 40,000 photographs weekly.
Sbuttoni is also responsible for one of the most creative marketing campaigns that came after the NCAA’s adoption of name, image and likeness. The WWE rolled out its Next In Line program, which helps college athletes start a potential pathway to a WWE career.
Sbuttoni said her biggest improvement as a manager with the WWE has been a willingness to share ideas. The comfort she has found with being one of the first people to speak helps the creative process get where it needs to go.
“The people around you are here to create great stuff and improve and raise the bar in everything you do,” Sbuttoni said. — Ethan Joyce
Julie Sbuttoni
Senior Vice President of Creative Services and Photography, WWE
Born: Larchmont, N.Y.
Education: Fashion Institute of Technology, bachelor’s degree, graphic design
Family: Spouse, Joseph; child, Joseph (20)
More about Julie
Something that instantly makes my day better: A call from my son, who is currently a United States Marine, knowing he is safe and doing well; a good laugh with a co-worker, family, or friend.
Advice to my younger self: Life is more than just hard work. Get out there, see the world and get involved.
Proudest professional achievement: I was honored to be a part of several key milestones for female representation at WWE’s yearly events in Saudi Arabia. Over the years, I have worked closely with the WWE team to create and ensure their in-ring gear followed the local guidelines and culture while still being authentic to their own brand. A landmark moment, for the first time in history, creating billboards featuring female Superstars displayed in Jeddah and Riyadh ahead of WWE Elimination Chamber in February 2022. Later that year, our first female photographer team shot ringside in Saudi Arabia at WWE Crown Jewel. Recently, at WWE Night of Champions, our creative featured the first female Superstars in the main event match, and the creative was featured throughout local markets.
