Longtime YES Network and Fox Sports Regional Networks exec MICHAEL SPIRITO is leaving the company, effective Sept. 28, to become a partner with California-based VC firm Sapphire Ventures, where he will focus on investment opportunities in sports, media, entertainment and commerce. Spirito, who originally joined YES Net in '06 and most recently was Head of Business Development & Digital Media for both the RSN and Fox Sports Regional Networks, was at the forefront of a wide range of digital initiatives, including an aggressive push to develop exclusive content for social media platforms. Spirito also has a background in investment banking, having worked at Credit Suisse and Time Warner Ventures before joining YES. A search will begin soon to fill his role (Eric Fisher, Staff Writer).
ICE AGE: The NHL Kings announced a number of position changes, including: DARREN ABBOTT to President of Minor League Affiliates & AEG Senior VP/Revenue; MICHAEL ALTIERI to Senior VP/Marketing, Communications & Content; JOSH VEILLEUX to Senior VP/Corporate Partnerships; AARON LEVALLEY to Senior VP/Business Operations & Strategy; NAM MCGRAIL to Senior VP/Partnership Activation; EVA BASSETT to Dir of Hockey Administration; RYAN MILLER to VP/Ticket Sales & Business Development; JENNIFER POPE to VP/Community Relations & Team Services; TIM SMITH to Senior Manager of Game Presentation & Events for the Kings and AHL Ontario Reign; ROBYN DUTTON to Digital & Content Manager; GABY SMOTRYS to Ticket Sales & Service Coordinator; EMMA TANI to Marketing & Promotions Coordinator; JOHN D'ONOFRIO to Business Analyst; ANNMARIE FRANCIS to Dir of HR; ANDREW MASSEY to Graphic Design Manager; MICHAEL BRADY to Senior Account Exec; JESSE ROGERS to Group Sales Account Exec (Kings).
EXECS: The Single-A Carolina League Myrtle Beach Pelicans promoted Senior Dir of Marketing KRISTIN CALL to Assistant GM (Pelicans)....The Penguins promoted Manager of Partnership Marketing DEVIN BEAHM to Senior Manager of Partnership Marketing (THE DAILY)....Nike BOD Member JOHNATHAN RODGERS is "stepping down" from his role (TWITTER.com, 9/20)....The National Basketball Retired Players Association named Basketball HOFer GRANT HILL to its BOD (NBRPA).
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