Damon Phillips has been named vice president, ESPN360.com, ESPN's signature broadband sports network. In this role, he will guide the strategic product vision, overseeing the programming and production of ESPN360.com, which is available at no additional charge to fans who receive their high-speed Internet connection from an affiliated service provider. Phillips will be based in Bristol, Conn., and report to John Zehr, senior vice president, digital media production, and John Papa, vice president, strategic program planning.
In addition to managing the programming and operations for ESPN360.com, Phillips will work closely with high-speed providers to identify opportunities that bring value to ESPN360.com's distribution partners.
Phillips is a veteran sports media executive and entrepreneur whose experience spans television, digital media, and sports properties. Most recently, he served as the assistant executive director of USA Football, the sport's national governing body, which was founded by the National Football League (NFL) and the NFL Players Association. He led the organization's day to day business operations and strategic planning process.
Phillips is also the founder of sportsTVinsider.com, a provider of personalized sports television schedules. He invented the company's patent-pending algorithm that provides viewing recommendations based on user preferences, real-time sports statistics and television ratings. Prior to USA Football, he was a key member of the management teams that launched FOX Sports Grill and ESPN Zone. He has also held positions at DIRECTV and the National Basketball Association. Phillips earned a football scholarship to Stanford University and graduated with honors in 1995. He was an outside linebacker on nationally ranked Cardinal teams coached by Bill Walsh and Dennis Green.
