Turner Sports Promotes Senior Executives Matt Hong and Albert “Scooter” Vertino

Turner Sports has promoted senior executives Matt Hong and Albert “Scooter” Vertino to expanded leadership roles within the division. Hong has been elevated to executive vice president and general manager of Turner Sports, and Vertino has been named senior vice president of programming, Turner Sports, and general manager of NBA Digital.

In his new role, Hong will continue to lead the division’s business operations and digital sports portfolio including Bleacher Report, NCAA.com, March Madness Live and PGA.com while adding oversight of Turner Sports’ strategy, acquisitions and marketing. Hong, who previously held the position of senior vice president and general manager of sports operations, will continue to report directly to Daniels.

Since joining Turner Sports in 2008, Hong has spearheaded the rebranding of March Madness Live, which experienced a record-setting year in 2014, along with the Sports Emmy Award-winning PGA Championship Live. In 2012, Hong led the company’s acquisition efforts of Bleacher Report. During the past two years under his guidance, working alongside its leadership team, Bleacher Report has enjoyed tremendous growth and success to become a leading multi-sport online and mobile destination.

“Matt is widely respected for his leadership and ability to drive innovation across each of our content offerings,” said Lenny Daniels, president of Turner Sports. “He has established strong relationships throughout our industry and I strongly value his business acumen and the perspective Matt brings to our operations.” 

Vertino will add oversight of all business aspects to an NBA Digital portfolio that includes NBA TV, the league’s 24-hour television network, NBA.com, WNBA.com, NBADLeague.com and NBA LEAGUE PASS, as well as the league’s broadband and wireless business. Additionally, Vertino will also now be responsible for the programming and scheduling for all sports content for the division including the NBA on TNT, MLB on TBS, NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship and PGA Championship. He will now report directly to Daniels.

“Scooter has wide-ranging professional experience including a broad knowledge of the television and digital marketplace, production expertise, and highly regarded relationships within Turner Sports and with our partners,” said Daniels. “His in-depth knowledge of the NBA and the day-to-day operations of NBA Digital will make for a seamless transition into his newly expanded role.”

Vertino previously held the position of vice president and executive producer of content, Turner Sports, overseeing all sports content across linear, digital and mobile properties. He was also responsible for all creative, production and editorial content for NBA Digital. During his 18-year tenure at Turner Sports, Vertino has worked on some of the division’s most prestigious events and properties including serving as producer for TNT’s critically acclaimed NBA coverage.

Aligned with the promotions for Hong and Vertino, Turner Sports also announced expanded responsibilities for Craig Barry, senior vice president and executive creative director, Turner Sports. Barry will add oversight of Turner Sports’ operations and technology to his current role. He will continue to lead all aspects of Turner Sports’ remote and studio productions as well as the division’s award-winning Creative Services Sports Unit (CSSU).  Barry will continue to report directly to Daniels.