WNBA Names Longtime Marketing Exec Laurel Richie President, Replacing Orender

The WNBA has hired Laurel Richie as its new President. Richie joins the WNBA after working as Senior VP & CMO for the Girl Scouts of the USA since '08. Prior to her job at the Girl Scouts, Richie spent more than 20 years working at Ogilvy & Mather, where she left as a Senior Partner with the company. “Laurel combines extraordinary marketing and brand management skills, with a tremendous enthusiasm to help evolve young women into leaders,” said NBA Commissioner David Stern in a statement. “She joins the WNBA at such an exciting time in its history and we know her expertise will be key to continuing the growth and success of the league.” Richie replaces Donna Orender, who was WNBA President from '05-10. Richie begins her job with the WNBA on May 16 and will report to NBA Deputy Commissioner & COO Adam Silver. The WNBA begins its 15th season on June 3.