ESPN has established the team to lead ESPN Classic Sport, its new network of European sports channels dedicated to showcasing the greatest moments in sports history, it was announced today by Russell Wolff, senior vice president, ESPN International.
The team will be led by Roch Pellerin, who has been named as the network’s managing director. Pellerin joins ESPN Classic Sport with 16 years of experience in the cable and satellite industry in Europe and America.
Most recently, Pellerin served as chief financial officer of leading French pay television operators Canal+ Distribution and Canal Satellite, and was formerly chief operating officer in charge of sales, marketing, finance, and administration at Eurosport France.
Pellerin will be responsible for guiding ESPN Classic Sport on a day-to-day basis in all areas of operation throughout Europe and will report to a board of the company appointed by ESPN and Sports Capital Partners, co-owners of the network.
‘Roch brings an outstanding knowledge of the European pay-TV industry, with in-depth experience in sports to ESPN Classic Sport,’ said Wolff. ‘His keen leadership skills and financial acumen will also be a tremendous asset to the company as we grow this network in Europe.’
Pellerin will be joined by a dedicated, professional team with a wealth of television experience:
* Tony Stimpson, director of programming and formerly of TV3, Ireland, CNBC, and NBC Europe, will be responsible for programming strategy, negotiating rights acquisitions, and determining the programming schedules.
* Jamie Baker, director of production and operations, will oversee all production and technical elements. Baker has significant experience in sports television, having worked principally with TWI.
* Andrew Grocott, director of finance, will be responsible for all budget-related issues. Grocott was formerly at ISL and John Reid Productions.
* Alison Holliday, director of marketing and promotions, will be responsible for the development and execution of consumer and affiliate marketing campaigns. Holliday previously led the marketing efforts at Playboy International.
* Alan Pritchard, technical broadcast manager, joins ESPN Classic Sport with previous television experience at PCC, NoW, and Orbit.
* Moira Gill, director of human resources, previously was head of HR at PCCW (UK) Ltd.; and
* Chris Nicholls, director of advertising sales, brings to ESPN Classic Sport, eighteen years of experience in media sales, including United News and Media, RTE in Eire and as group sales director at Granada TV in the UK.
For further information please contact:
Chris Bellitti
T: +1 (212) 916.9889
E: chris.bellitti@espn.com