Eric Markgraf has been named chief marketing officer of Fox Sports Television.
Markgraf, who had been serving as executive vice presidnt of Fox Sports Marketing Group, now is responsible for the marketing and promotional efforts for Fox Sports, Speed, Fox Soccer Channel, Fuel TV, Fox Sports Espanol and FoxSports.com. He is also serving in advisory capacity for Fox Sports Net and Big Ten Network. He continues to report to Fox Sports Television Group CEO David Hill.
In his new role, Markgraf's primary objective is to develop unique messages for the sports channels and FOXSports.com that create an emotional connection with viewers and users, while maximizing audience and user potential. His group consists of four divisions: strategic planning; marketing services; in-house creative; and out-of-house creative. Together, under Markgraf's leadership, these divisions will develop the on-air and online creative, as well as all outdoor, print and radio image and tune-in campaigns.
"Eric and his entire team have done a tremendous job turning Fox Sports into one of the strongest and most recognized brands in the history of television," said Hill. "I have every confidence that he and his terrific team will not only maintain the high level of creative excellence that has been Fpx Sports' s trademark since 1994, but also elevate our other channels and FOXSports.com to extraordinary new heights."
Last year, Markgraf received a Sports Emmy Awards for sports promotional announcement: episodic for his "Engine City" campaign to promote the 2008 NASCAR on Fox season and sports promotional announcement: institutional for the "Rafters" campaign to promote the 2008 MLB All-Star Game.
Markgraf joined Fox Sports/FSN as senior vice president of marketing in September 2000. He was promoted to executive vice president, Fox Sports Marketing Group in March 2004.
