NBA 2K Esports League Hires Managing Director; Jaunt Adds To VR Team

The NBA and Take-Two Interactive Software will launch the NBA 2K eLeague next year, a professional competitive gaming league that will unite the best hoops gamers in the world. They now have hired a managing director to steer the ship in Brendan Donohue, who’ll oversee the league strategy and operations.

“[I’m] just taking what 2K has already built up in terms of popularity around the game and really building an audience around this,” Donohue told ESPN. “It is the most popular sports title in North America and, most importantly, the most highly regarded in terms of the actual game.”

Cinematic virtual reality company Jaunt has hired Jean-Christophe Curelop as their head of sales for VR camera systems. Curelop formerly worked as head of business development and digital media at Nokia where he was responsible for the development and execution of strategies centered on Nokia’s OZO VR camera.

“JC’s extensive expertise at the intersection of entertainment and technology are the perfect compliment to the growing sales team here at Jaunt,” said Jaunt chief revenue officer Jean-Paul Colaco. “As we look towards 2018 and the rapidly evolving VR camera market, there’s no one better suited to lead strategy and sales for the Jaunt One camera and Jaunt Cloud Services. We’re excited about the continued success of Jaunt One and future products.”

Apple has hired one of NASA’s brightest stars to lead it efforts in augmented reality. Jeff Norris, who led AR and VR projects at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, will now take his talents to the iPhone maker.

Jennifer Breithaupt has been appointed global consumer chief marketing officer at Citi, where she’ll be responsible for crafting distinctive, impactful campaigns that differentiate Citi’s card products and partnering closely with global branding and sponsorships to enhance Citi’s brand positioning.

Kia Motors America has hired former Chrysler advertising executive Saad Chehab as its new vice president of marketing communications. The former global CMO of Maserati will oversee strategy and execution for all Kia Motors America marketing, advertising and communications activities.

Jonathan Helfgot has been named executive vice president of theatrical marketing for 20th Century Fox. Helfgot previously worked for Open Road.

Tony Vinciquerra, a former Fox television chief, is headed to Sony to lead their film and television studio, the WSJ reported.

Demos Parneros has been named the new chief executive for bookseller Barnes & Noble.

Michael Fanuele, the chief creative officer at General Mills, is leaving the company.

Lionsgate has named Monica Bloom as their senior vice president and general manager for Tribeca Shortlist.

Dana Anderson, the chief marketing officer for Mondelez International since 2014, is departing the consumer goods giant for the same position at media and ad consulting firm MediaLink. The move was made official on Monday.

“Dana has been a creative and change catalyst for our company, and we’re deeply appreciative of her many contributions,” Tim Cofer, chief growth officer at Mondelez International, said in a statement. “Our search for a successor will focus on finding a digital-first, disruptive and innovative leader who can build on Dana’s legacy and mobilize breakthrough marketing in a rapidly changing global consumer landscape.”

The move continues the string of key departures within the company’s marketing department over the last month. The makers of Oreo cookies and Ritz crackers are currently in the process of laying the groundwork to replace Irene Rosenfeld, their chief executive. Roberto Marques, president of Mondelez International’s North America business, left the company last week. Last month, Bob Rupczynski, vice president and global head of media, data and digital, announced that he’s departing the company, too.

Leanne Cutts, a former senior Mondelez International executive, has been appointed as HSBC’s group head of marketing.

Online lender Quicken Loans announced the hiring of Casey Hurbis as their new chief marketing officer. Hurbis will lead Quicken Loans’ consumer-facing marketing team and will be responsible for all online and traditional marketing initiatives, as well as managing the nation’s most trusted and recognized home lending brand.

“Casey is someone who is not afraid to push the envelope. We are confident he will take Quicken Loans’ leading national brand to the next level and beyond,” said Quicken Loans CEO Jay Farner. Casey brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from both the agency and corporate perspectives. “Our millions of clients and future clients will see Quicken Loans in creative and unexpected ways as Casey leads our tremendously talented marketing team to leverage our brand, technology, culture and award winning client service record.”

Sundance Feniger has been hired to run Boomerang’s recently launched cartoon subscription-video service as their new vice president and general manager. Feniger is a former Nickelodeon executive.

(Editor’s Note: This post will be updated daily until Friday, April 28. Have a new hire tip? Let us know at editorial@alistdaily.com.)

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