Years in Cable: 32
Education: BS, Fordham University
Erhardt has become an institution at ESPN, the driver of the multimedia sales team since 1999. His purview includes everything from ESPN’s domestic networks to ESPN.com and ESPN The Magazine. An innovator in the sports ad industry, Erhardt championed ESPN’s transition to Nielsen Total Live Audience, a move that’s allowing the company to create new solutions that can adapt to how sports fans consume content. Driessen’s business acumen can hardly be denied, especially considering her recent role in the company’s broadband Internet strategy and multimedia programming rights agreements. Her voice is one that calls for restraint in bidding for rights, and her counsel has led to the success of those investments that garner her support. An advocate for women and up-and-comers, Driessen has built a team of talent under her that is sure to continue her legacy of balancing the costs of investment, innovation and programming with the revenue generated by ESPN following her retirement in January 2019 after 33 years with the company.
Favorite restaurant: May River Grill, South Carolina
Best advice your mom or dad ever gave you? My Mom: “The right thing to do is often the hardest!”
What product or service could you not live without? My iPhone
What does the future look like for skinny bundles and flexible packaging? These options will continue to evolve to serve the consumer. This year we have seen more attention and experimentation in the direct-to-consumer space. However, there will never be only one option. Our industry’s success in the future will be driven by providing multiple options and flexibility to the ever-changing consumer and their needs.
Last show I binged not on my network(s): “The Crown” (Netflix)
