Fox Broadcasting sales executive Toby Byrne has been named the company’s President of Sales by Fox Networks Group Chairman and CEO Tony Vinciquerra. Byrne, who currently serves as FOX’s Senior Vice President of Eastern Sales will take over January 1 from Jon Nesvig, who announced his retirement last month.
In making the announcement, Mr. Vinciquerra said, “This decision was incredibly challenging. Jon has left us such a deep bench of extraordinary talent that any of our key sales executives would have been a tremendous choice. However, Toby’s management skills, broad understanding of new and traditional media, and outstanding communication skills closed the deal. We’re delighted he’ll be leading our sales efforts for years to come.”
Mr. Vinciquerra went on to praise the rest of the remarkable sales team. “There is no question that FOX has the best sales organization in our business. These are gifted and resourceful executives who have built a reputation for integrity over many years.” He indicated there are no planned changes in the structure of the sales department. Jean Rossi will continue to serve as President of Fox One (the company’s integrated marketing group) and Executive Vice President of Sales, while Neil Mulcahy will remain EVP and head of the acquisition-minded Fox Sports Ad Sales team. Susan Wachter will continue as EVP of Sales Planning & Administration and Audrey Steele will remain SVP, Ad Sales Research & Marketing. All will report to Mr. Byrne. “This is an incredible group and Toby stood out in a field of exceptional candidates,” concluded Mr. Vinciquerra.
Mr. Byrne is a 15-year veteran of FOX’s sales staff, having originally joined the company in early 1996 as an account services representative. He was made an account executive in December of that year, became a vice president in 2003, and was promoted to his previous position supervising Eastern sales in January 2006. Prior to joining FOX, Mr. Byrne was a media buyer at BBDO in New York.
Mr. Byrne is a graduate of Georgetown University.