Abbott shifts gear at ESPN; named VP, Global Security and Facilities Operations

By Ken Kerschbaumer

Rick Abbott, currently Vice President, Event Operations, will assume the new position of Vice President, Global Security and Facilities Operations at ESPN. In that role, Abbott will be responsible for oversight of our Security and Facilities departments.

“We created this position to help meet the significant challenges and opportunities we face with respect to our Facilities and Security operations around the globe,” says Ed Durso, ESPN EVP for Administration. “Both groups have very effectively managed tremendous growth over the past decade, growth that will continue as we stage more events, expand our on-site presence at more worldwide venues and as our employee base continues to expand. We also have a very aggressive building expansion program.

“I am honored to be offered this important position part of ESPN’s Global expansion,” says Abbott. “Sports Fans around the world are very important to ESPN, and I’m thrilled to be part of that.”

Abbott says that, for the first time in his professional career, he will not have direct responsibilities with what goes on the air. “That is sad in some ways but it’s time to take on new responsibilities that takes care of our employees directly…and that should be fun.”