ESPN announced Rosetta Ellis-Pilie has been named the network’s Vice President, Talent Development and Negotiations. The longtime ESPN executive will begin her new role May 1.
The announcement was made Tuesday by ESPN Executive Vice President, Production and Executive Editor Norby Williamson. Ellis-Pilie will lead the daily operations of ESPN’s Talent Office, the division responsible for developing network commentators, and negotiating contracts, among other duties.
“This is an exceptional opportunity, particularly given its importance to ESPN’s connection with sports fans and our overall business,” Ellis-Pilie said in the press release. “I am truly excited to continue to interact with colleagues across the company as well as outside contacts, many of whom I have worked closely with on projects over the past decade. Our talent lineup is the forward-facing cornerstone of ESPN and I look forward to joining forces with them directly when I start this exciting new chapter in May.”
A Seton Hall University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Business Administration, Ellis-Pilie has a unique background prior to her career with ESPN. She served in the United States Army and is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm, having received multiple awards for her military work which had her stationed in Germany, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait.
She joined ESPN in 2011, working in their legal department for close to 10 years, most recently as the company’s Vice President and Assistant Chief Counsel. Ellis-Pilie was essential in negotiating and finalizing hundreds of agreements pertaining to rights, content and talent for ESPN.
