ESPN has made three significant additions to its international team. Rob Simmelkjaer has been appointed VP of international development, while Simon Potter Joins as senior director, programming and Alan Fagan as group director, advertising and sponsorship sales.
Simmelkjaer will continue to be based at ESPN’s New York Office where he has been VP corporate projects. In a dual role, Simmelkjaer has combined management with regular appearances as a touchline reporter and commentator.
“Rob brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this role, having been involved with our company across multiple disciplines,” said Russell Wolff, executive VP and MD, ESPN International. Simmelkjaer will work closely with ESPN’s regional heads and local development teams.
In London, Simon Potter joins ESPN from Steadfast TV, and will be responsible for programming on the UK premium channel and on pan-regional channels ESPN America and ESPN Classic. Potter was previously head of sports programmes at Sunset+Vine and also enjoyed spells at Channel 4, Carlton TV and TV-am.
Simmelkjaer is not the only member of the team to have spent time in front of the camera. Potter was once a presenter on CBBC.
Fagan, who will also work out of London, arrives from BBC Worldwide, where he served as European sales director. He will be responsible for day-to-day management of all of ESPN’s multi-platform advertising and sponsorship sales across ESPN’s wholly owned multi-media platforms in the UK and EMEA.
