The National Hockey League (NHL) named Heidi Browning as EVP and CMO of the NHL. The appointment was announced by Commissioner Gary Bettman on September 28, 2016.
Browning joins the League after leading digital marketing strategies and solutions for companies including Fox Interactive Media, Universal McCann and most recently Pandora. She is expected to assume her duties at the NHL on October 10.
Browning will focus on digital and social initiatives and developments. She will be responsible for executing the League’s marketing campaigns, including strategy, creative development, production and distribution. Browning also will help identify and incorporate new marketing technologies and strategies to promote the NHL and broaden its reach across traditional and digital channels.
In addition, Browning will oversee the League’s environmental initiatives as well as its public affairs efforts. She will work with MLBAM across the League’s social platforms to devise distribution strategies and content initiatives.
Commissioner Bettman also announced a series of NHL Enterprises changes pertaining to the business and media functions.
Executive Vice President Brian Jennings has been named chief branding officer. In addition to continuing his duties for consumer products and licensing, Jennings will be responsible for the identity, development and positioning of the League’s brand, with a focus on developing and integrating the League’s brand image and messaging into all League advertising. He also will jointly oversee partnership marketing efforts with Chief Revenue Officer Keith Wachtel and will continue to manage the League’s grassroots and fan development programs.
Steve Mayer will formally assume the title of EVP and chief content officer of events and entertainment, continuing his responsibility for the operational, creative and entertainment aspects of the League’s events calendar while also building and overseeing the League’s original entertainment/productions department.
Stephen McArdle, EVP of strategic planning, also has been named chief administrative officer. He will continue in his role as EVP of strategic planning and also will contribute to administrative oversight and coordination of the day-to-day business and media functions.
EVP David Proper, named EVP of media and international strategy, will formally assume responsibility for all TV rights holder relations in addition to his existing responsibilities for media strategy/distribution, broadcast business affairs, footage licensing/images and scheduling.
EVP Keith Wachtel will continue to oversee global corporate sponsorship, digital and NHL Network ad sales and now will assume the title of chief revenue officer.
Each of the changes are effective immediately.
