Sports Media Report
ZRG, the fastest-growing global executive search firm, today announced the launch of its global Sports and Entertainment practice, led by Jamie Crittenberger who joins as Managing Director and head of the practice based in the firm’s Washington, DC, office. Crittenberger will also serve as a senior member of ZRG’s Consumer and Private Equity practice groups.
“Having worked with a wide array of organizations across the globe, Jamie understands the demands of multiple functional roles and connects high-performing executives and innovative leadership concepts to forward-thinking brands and properties,” said Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG.
“With nearly three decades of industry operating and consulting experience, Jamie Crittenberger is a global leadership advisor who assists high-profile sports, entertainment, and media properties in complex assignments,” Hartmann added. “We couldn’t have picked a better person to lead our global Sports and Entertainment practice.”
Previously, Crittenberger was a practice leader and global partner at Spencer Stuart and Odgers Berndtson, respectively. His diverse portfolio of clients includes those in the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS, PGA, WTA, FIBA, NASCAR, NCAA, NGBs, Olympic Movement, and more.
Before entering leadership advisory, Jamie spent ten years as CEO of Starbridge Media Group, the firm he co-founded to leverage the convergence of sports and entertainment across multiple platforms. His firm represented and partnered with marquee sports, media, and consumer-facing properties along a spectrum of revenue-generation and content initiatives. His TV production work won five Emmy Awards.
“I am thrilled to launch this practice with ZRG and to be able to bring my sports and entertainment business experience to the firm’s technology-driven search process,” said Crittenberger. “Our practice group is filled with a diverse team of veteran leadership advisors who possess specific sports and entertainment sector experience along with deep functional expertise across a wide spectrum.”
Earlier in his career, Jamie served in football and business operations roles for the Washington Redskins, and his tenure included the team’s Super Bowl XXVI championship season in 1991. While with the team, his mentors and co-workers included numerous Hall of Fame coaches, executives, and players. He held subsequent operational roles with SFX Sports Group, Clear Channel Entertainment, and Viacom.
Crittenberger earned a BA in English from the University of Virginia and went on to earn his MBA from the university’s Darden Graduate School of Business Administration, where he was selected by both students and faculty to deliver the school’s commencement address. He has been an active youth sports coach for over 25 years and coached over 75 teams in football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and lacrosse, including teams at the high school varsity level.
ZRG’s other key executives in the global Sports and Entertainment practice are industry veterans Ken Lubin and Steve Tosches, both of whom are former Ivy League head coaches, and Alex Bennett, a former professional rugby player.
Cover Image: Unsplash/Ruthson Zimmerman
