ESPN sales and marketing evp Sean Bratches will depart the network at the end of 2015 after 27 years. He will only serve in an advisory capacity until that time and is said to be looking for new challenges.
“There is no more innovative, inventive, creative and collaborative company in the media business — perhaps on the planet — than ESPN,” Bratches said “ESPN’s future is bright, and my teams are performing at their highest levels. The time just felt right to pursue my next adventure.”
Bratches has led the affiliate sales groups at both ESPN and The Walt Disney Company, as well as ESPN’s advertising sales, research, consumer marketing, consumer products and special events areas since being named to his current position in 2005.
Among many other things, Bratches is responsible for securing extensive distribution of ESPN HD and introducing streaming cable channels online and via mobile devices through WatchESPN. He was inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame in 2014.
“Sean is an extremely well-respected and admired industry visionary whose contributions to ESPN’s success cannot be overstated,” said ESPN president John Skipper. “We have all greatly appreciated his energy, integrity and service to ESPN, our employees and our industry. “