I’m proud to announce our 2019 class of The Champions: Pioneers & Innovators in Sports Business, the most diverse group we’ve had in the 10 years of the program. Among our winners for the first time are two women who trail-blazed paths for female executives that weren’t available just a few decades ago. We honor one of the primary architects behind the dominance of IMG, as well as an actual architect who’s known as “The Godfather” of the modern-day ballpark. We also recognize the mind behind the launch and growth of action sports on television.
Finally, we honor our youngest Champion ever, the highest-ranking African-American in the NFL whose willingness to open his door has inspired dozens throughout the industry.
BUFFY FILIPPELL: Who knows how many people owe their career to Filippell? In 1985, she became one of the first recruiters to focus on sports while with Korn Ferry. Two years later she created TeamWork Consulting, an executive search firm specifically geared toward sports and live events. Since then, the firm has done more than 400 searches for some of the country’s most noted sports organizations. With one of the deepest Rolodexes in sports, Filippell has touched every corner of the industry, helping launch or provide the next step for some of sports’ most recognized executives.
BOB KAIN: Going to work for IMG in 1976, Kain became arguably the biggest agent in tennis, signing Bjorn Borg and Chris Evert. He eventually represented several giants of the game, including Andre Agassi, Billie Jean King, John McEnroe and Pete Sampras. He also launched IMG’s figure skating division in 1984, signing Olympic champion Scott Hamilton and creating the “Stars on Ice” tour. Kain touched virtually every aspect of IMG’s business, retiring in 2006 as president and co-CEO. He didn’t slow down, though, serving as vice chairman of the Cleveland Browns, a senior adviser to CAA Sports and a member of the USGA’s executive committee.
EARL SANTEE: “The Godfather” of the modern ballpark, it’s hard not to find an iconic venue that Santee hasn’t had a hand in. From Oriole Park at Camden Yards in 1992, to the new Yankee Stadium, to bringing baseball outside again in Minneapolis, Santee has designed nearly 20 baseball facilities. From HOK Sport to Populous, he has touched more than 60 sports projects around the world and is recognized as one of the most widely acclaimed sports designers ever. His focus has been bringing energy to urban cores while mandating that a sports facility conform to local architecture, transforming cities across the country.
RON SEMIAO: It’s not often somebody can create an entire industry, but that’s what Semiao did. While with ESPN in 1995, Semiao saw an opportunity around skateboarding and BMX. That led to the creation of the X Games, establishing an entirely new form of sports event and content — and creating a successful franchise. During his close to 30 years at ESPN, Semiao also was a leader in scripted programming, helping launch the company’s foray into sports-themed films, reality programing and scripted drama. He moved to the NFL Network in 2013, overseeing some of the league’s marquee programming and events.
KEVIN WARREN: The highest-ranking African-American executive in the NFL, Warren just completed his 14th season with the Minnesota Vikings and 20th overall in the league. Now the team’s COO, he’s led an impressive turnaround of the Vikings while emerging as one of sport’s most powerful voices on diversity and inclusion. Warren began his career as an attorney under Mike Slive and later opened his own firm before being hired by the St. Louis Rams in 1997. He had a stint with the Detroit Lions before helping the Wilf family close the deal for the Vikings in 2005. Along the way, Warren has been a mentor to countless young people throughout the industry.
DEBBIE YOW: Like most female executive pioneers, for years Yow was the only woman in the room. Yow began her career in coaching before moving into administration in the mid-’80s. In 1990, she was named athletic director at Saint Louis. Four years later she became the first female AD in the ACC when she was hired by Maryland. The Terps won 20 national titles during her tenure from 1994 to 2010 before she became AD at North Carolina State, where the school has posted its highest Directors’ Cup finishes ever and strong graduation rates. She’s also the only woman to be president of the Division 1A Athletic Directors’ Association, as well as president of NACDA.
It’s a class we’re proud of, and we hope you enjoy their stories in upcoming issues.
First Look podcast, with a Champions roundup at the 36:15 mark:
Abraham Madkour can be reached at amadkour@sportsbusinessjournal.com.
