NBC Sports Group has named David Preschlack president, NBC Sports Regional Networks, and NBC Sports Group Platform and Content Strategy, effective Feb. 1.
In his new role, Preschlack will oversee the NBC Sports Regional Networks portfolio and interact with each general manager in a range of areas, including sales, content and ongoing relationship management. He will also lead the entire NBC Sports platforming strategy as the company moves into new areas with existing and to-be-developed content.
“David’s wealth of experience with digital innovation and distribution, as well as programming creation and acquisitions are what today’s marketplace demands for executives,” said NBC Sports Group Chairman Mark Lazarus, to whom Preschlack will report. “As we look to the future, his background and ability put us in position to further succeed and to broaden our opportunities across our entire portfolio.”
Preschlack previously served as executive vice president, affiliate sales and marketing, Disney and ESPN Networks Group, where he handled oversight of content distributed on computers, smartphones, tablets and connected devices, including WatchESPN, ESPN3, Watch ABC, Watch ABC Family and the Watch Disney products. He also oversaw the U.S. cable, telco and satellite affiliate sales, global distribution and strategy, digital video distribution and affiliate marketing for 16 of the Walt Disney Company’s linear networks, as well as their HDTV, video-on-demand, subscription video-on-demand, interactive television and pay-per-view products.
The new RSN chief joined ESPN in 1995 as a videotape librarian and was promoted through the affiliate sales and marketing department. Prior to his most recent position, he was senior vice president, affiliate sales and marketing, Disney & ESPN Media Network Group, overseeing sales, business strategy, affiliate ad sales and affiliate marketing for all Disney and ESPN products and services in the U.S.
Before that, Preschlack was senior vice president of national accounts, with responsibility for all domestic distribution and licensing efforts for the Walt Disney Company’s assets within the media networks group.