ESPN is undergoing a reorganization to its content structure, as announced on Monday by Burke Magnus, the company’s president of content. Magnus sent an internal memo obtained by Barrett Media in which he explained that the company has been working on a plan since May to enhance collaboration, create better alignment and position staff members to thrive amid evolving times. ESPN utilized the organizational development team from The Walt Disney Company to interview nearly 75 stakeholders at the network, who gave recommendations in their conversations. Following deliberation towards the best path forward, Magnus has announced the reorganization that the network will utilize moving forward.
“With these moves, I believe we will be more strategic, collaborative and nimble, as we continue to excel in every area and function,” Magnus said in the internal memo. “We remain committed to employee development, and the restructure will result in new positions or promotions for people who are expanding their responsibilities or taking on new challenges.”
Mike McQuade, a 37-year employee of ESPN, has been named the executive vice president of sports production, a new position created as part of the reorganization. Within his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing production and studio shows that are sports specific.
Direct reports under his position include Mark Gross, a senior vice president of event and studio for NFL, Monday Night Football, the Super Bowl, College Football, the College Football Playoff, UFL, UFC, Boxing and Golf. Meg Aronowitz, senior vice president of event and studio for MLB, ACC, SEC, NCAA Women’s and Men’s Basketball, school control rooms, college baseball, pro and college softball and the Girls and Boys Little League World Series, is also a direct report to McQuade. Moreover, Kate Jackson, vice president involved in coverage of wrestling, volleyball, gymnastics, field hockey, college and pro lacrosse, Special Olympics, F1 and special event production such as the ESPYS will be a direct report to McQuade as well.
A senior vice president of event and studio for NBA, WNBA, NHL, college ice hockey and tennis will be part of this group once the person is identified. In the meantime, Tim Corrigan, Linda Schulz, Hilary Guy, Terrell Bouza and a new vice president of sports production role for NBA and WNBA studio shows will report to McQuade.
David Roberts is moving into a new role as the executive vice president and executive editor for sports news and entertainment, transitioning out of his role overseeing NBA and WNBA properties and studio programming. Under his new role, he will directly oversee cross-platform editorial, news and coverage for non-sports specific studio shows, including SportsCenter, Get Up, First Take, The Pat McAfee Show, Around the Horn and Pardon the Interruption.
Direct reports to Roberts will include Maria Soares, a senior vice president leading the new sports news and coverage centralization, including research and digital editorial; Mike Foss, the senior vice president of sports studio and entertainment, which includes SportsCenter; and Chris Buckle, a vice president leading investigative and enterprise journalism.
Kaitee Daley has been named the senior vice president of digital, social and streaming content at ESPN, assuming oversight of digital audience engagement inclusive of ESPN mobile apps, along with streaming, SEO and stats and analysis. Direct reports to Dailey will include vice presidents Nicole Pelaez-Dandrea and Celia Bouza, along with senior directors Amanda Anderson and Brett Edgerton. Omar Raja, who recently signed a contract extension with ESPN, will continue working in his talent and social strategist role. New roles will also be created in the growth areas of digital product alignment, direct-to-consumer and social.
Freddy Rolón will work as the head of global sports and talent office, entering the role ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season when the company’s new 11-year media rights agreement commences. Under the new deal, Disney will have an international package of NBA and WNBA games available to stream on digital platforms, which includes Disney+. Rolón will also gain oversight of the talent office and oversee ESPN NEXT as the company assists young professionals. Direct reports include senior vice president Rodolfo Martinez and vice presidents Rosetta Ellis-Pilie, Oscar Ramos and Stan Thomas, the latter of whom was recently promoted to oversee cross-platform development and business operations focused on international coverage.
Brian Lockhart has been named the senior vice president of original content where he will add oversight of the award-winning Features group. Direct reports for Lockhart are vice presidents Marsha Cooke, Lindsay Rovegno, Andy Tennant, Craig Lazarus and Heather Anderson, along with senior directors Chantre Camack and Kati Fernandez. Responsibilities for SCEU/CCU that previously fell under Lazarus will shift to Mike Foss’ organization and will be led by Julie McGlone, while vice president Jose Morales will keep reporting to him as well.
Chris Calcinari will continue leading the content operations group as its senior vice president where he will oversee studio and remote operations and take oversight of studio and event directing. Additionally, Nick Parsons has been named the vice president of content business operations where he will partner with Finance for Content spending and is adding new content-related management operational and planning groups to his team.
As all of these changes take place, ESPN will hold a Content Town Hall and have direct reports to Magnus reach out to their employee teams within the next 24 hours. The company will continue to modify the structure to reflect evolution taking place in the business. Magnus articulated that everyone at ESPN should be embracing change and is aiming for the network to continue and thrive.
“Our Content team is the industry leader, and these moves will only enhance our strong position, further our mission of serving sports fans, anytime, anywhere, and continue our ability to drive value and results for The Walt Disney Company,” Magnus said in the internal memo. “Together – by supporting each other and collaborating across the organization – we win as a team.
