Sharon Otterman joined ESPN in May 2003 as the company’s first ever media strategist and later became vice president, Integrated Media and Market. In her role as vice president, Integrated Media and Market, Otterman focuses on category development, integrated marketing plans, market analysis, customer (fan) acquisition and the financial analysis of ESPN media assets. Prior to joining ESPN, Otterman was vice president director of Media for Modem Media where she helped Fortune 500 clients plan and execute digital marketing programs and partnerships. For over 7 years, Otterman’s innovative approach to developing marketing strategies helped Modem’s clients attain first mover status. Some examples of her out-of-the-box thinking include buying the first advertisement online, assisting in the first Russian newspaper online and developing the first industry contracts. Otterman’s method for developing new media vehicles has been recognized in industry publications. Also, as Chairperson of the 4A’s, she has helped set new industry standards. Prior to joining Modem, Otterman was with Ogilvy & Mather, where she was one of the original members of Ogilvy’s non-traditional Media department. During her four-year tenure at Ogilvy, Otterman helped: develop the first interactive marketing programs for IBM, lead the AT&T Out of Home AOR, and create sports marketing programs for American Express and Sears. Otterman was graduated cum laude from Ithaca College with a Bachelor of Science degree and currently serves on the school’s Communications Advisory Board. Otterman is also a 2002 graduate of the Executive MBA Program at New York University.
