ESPN has named Josh Krulewitz as its news senior vice president of communications, tasked with leading the company’s communications department beginning on Dec. 31. The 32-year ESPN veteran is succeeding Chris LaPlaca in the role, who is the company’s longest-tenured behind-the-scenes employee.
Within his new job, Josh Krulewitz is reporting to Jimmy Pitaro, chairman of ESPN, and Kristina Schake, senior executive vice president and chief communications officer of The Walt Disney Company.
Throughout his time with ESPN, Josh Krulewitz has been part of various aspects surrounding the company’s business, contributing to communications surrounding sports broadcasts, league and event agreements, internal communications and issue management among other things. Moreover, he has helped advise executives, talent and employees within the company pertaining to media and employee relations, along with brand building, narratives and strategy.
“Josh is a dynamic, collaborative, and strategic communications leader,” Pitaro said in a statement. “I’ve worked closely with Josh for many years and have benefitted from his excellent advice during many challenging situations. I have seen him cultivate countless relationships with media and ESPN colleagues over the years, all of which will benefit him and all of us as we continue to navigate through a complex sports media environment. He will work closely with Disney colleagues and continue to look for ways for us to enhance our brand and reputation.”
Krulewitz’s journey in the communications department began as an undergraduate student at the University of Connecticut before joining full time in July 1992. Krulewitz has been serving as vice president of the department since 2006, during which he has been part of various public relations campaigns and other media relations involving ESPN.
“This one-of-a-kind role leading the world-class ESPN Communications team comes with extraordinary responsibility,” Krulewitz said in a statement. “It’s quite an honor to be trusted to represent the elite ESPN brand, collaborate with Disney, and to work alongside the most talented and dedicated colleagues around.”
Last week, ESPN held a retirement party for LaPlaca where various guests were on hand to honor his career, including Jimmy Pitaro, George Bodenheimer and Rosa Gatti. ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, who interned under LaPlaca at ESPN, was also at the ceremony and broke the news of Draymond Green’s indefinite suspension from the NBA after he punched Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkić during a game. The event had nearly 130 ESPN staffers on hand to commend LaPlaca for his work ahead of his impending retirement.
“Chris has played a pivotal role in virtually all major events in ESPN’s history, serving as a key strategist and spokesperson and leading the Comms group since 2008,” Pitaro said in a statement. “I’ve relied on his integrity, judgment and instincts since I arrived here, and I am incredibly grateful for all he has done for me and for ESPN.”
