WWE hires former ESPN and Fox Sports exec for senior management role

WWE issued a press release this morning touting the newest hire for their senior management team. Chris Bellitti is the company’s new Senior Vice President of Communications, and his résumé includes some big names in the sports entertainment world - including a Network which has emerged as a key partner for Vince McMahon’s empire over the past year.

Here’s the announcement:

WWE^® NAMES CHRIS BELLITTI SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNICATIONS

STAMFORD, Conn., September 6, 2016 – WWE (NYSE: WWE) today announced the appointment of Chris Bellitti as Senior Vice President, Communications. Bellitti, who previously held senior positions at FOX Sports and ESPN, will report directly to Brian Flinn, WWE Executive Vice President, Marketing & Communications.

As head of WWE’s Communications division, Bellitti will be a key member of the company’s senior management team, responsible for providing strategic vision for WWE’s internal and external global communications initiatives across key business units.

Bellitti brings more than 20 years of experience in strategic communications. Prior to joining WWE, Bellitti was Vice President, Communications at FOX Sports where he oversaw media relations, publicity, messaging, crisis communications and internal communications on behalf of a variety of its businesses, including the company’s 22 regional sports networks; its TV Everywhere and digital businesses; national and local advertising sales; and college multimedia partnerships under the FOX Sports College Properties banner. Bellitti also created and managed tactical communications support in areas such as media rights acquisitions, TV network launches, affiliate distribution negotiations, and new digital and mobile products.

Prior to FOX Sports, Bellitti was at ESPN, where he directed all communications efforts in support of ESPN International and its related TV, radio, print, and mobile businesses, as well as X-Games events. He also oversaw all media relations activities for ESPN Deportes, directing the strategy for the launches of its television, radio, and magazine initiatives. Bellitti began his career at ESPN in corporate communications working on behalf of its domestic affiliate sales and consumer marketing groups.

Bellitti graduated from Brooklyn College, City University of New York.

This position was previously held by Tara Carraro, who kept the “Senior” title briefly after four years as Vice President before departing and joining Nestlé Waters earlier this year. Carraro’s background was in consumer products branding, whereas Bellitti looks to bring more media experience.