Tina Thornton

Tina Thornton is a prominent executive at ESPN, serving as the Executive Vice President of Creative Studio and Marketing. With a career spanning over 30 years at the company, she has become a key member of ESPN's executive leadership team, reporting directly to ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro.1

In her current role, Thornton is responsible for:

1. Leading all of ESPN's marketing efforts
2. Overseeing creative output for ESPN Marketing
3. Managing overall media strategy, spending, and budgeting
4. Driving fan engagement across brands, events, platforms, and shows1

Thornton's influence extends to enhancing promotion for critical league partners such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and F1. She also plays a crucial role in promoting vital priorities like Fantasy Football, the ESPN App, and ESPN+, the company's leading streaming service.1

Career Highlights

• Joined ESPN in 1993 as a production assistant right after college1
• Served as chief of staff to ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro
• Led ESPN's production operations team
• Oversaw ESPN's directing team
• Led ESPN Next, a career development program for employees across ESPN and The Walt Disney Company
• Managed production of ESPN's NCAA Championships coverage for over a decade1

Education and Recognition

• Graduated from Wake Forest University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications in 19931
• Appointed to the Wake Forest College Board of Visitors in 2020
• Awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Mercy College in 2019
• Named to the 2019 class of Sports Business Journal Game Changers
• Recognized as one of Women in Cable Television's "Woman to Watch" in 20171

Thornton is known for her leadership in fostering a culture that embraces new audience growth and engages diverse audiences throughout the ESPN ecosystem. She also oversees ESPN's Corporate Citizenship group, which implements programs for social good.1

Her impact extends beyond her professional achievements, as she serves as a mentor and champion for employees at ESPN, particularly women across the organization. Thornton has also been involved in international leadership development programs, such as the Global Sports Mentoring Program.1