Comcast SportsNet Chicago promotes Walter Cade to General Sales Manager

Comcast SportsNet, the television home of the Chicago Blackhawks, Bulls, Cubs and White Sox, announced the promotion of 20-year Chicago sports advertising/marketing sales veteran Walter Cade to General Sales Manager, effective immediately.  Cade replaces Phil Bedella, who was recently promoted to Vice President/General Manager for the network.  The official announcement was made by James J. Corno, President of Comcast SportsNet Chicago.

Holding the previous title of National Sales Manager at Comcast SportsNet Chicago, Cade will now oversee the network’s entire national, local and digital sales efforts, which will include budgeting, forecasting, strategic planning, along with the development of new business opportunities across all platforms.

“As our National Sales Manager, Walter has most certainly established himself as an extremely valuable leader at our network with a proven track-record of sales success,” said Bedella.  “He is already very well-respected within the local and national television advertising community and I’m delighted he will be leading our network’s sales efforts going forward.”

As Comcast SportsNet Chicago’s first National Sales Manager since the network officially made its debut in October 2004, Cade has consistently increased the network’s national sales billing to record levels, along with annually increasing overall national business for the network in a number of key sales categories.  Prior to joining Comcast SportsNet Chicago, Cade also held the title of National Sales Manager at Fox Sports Net Chicago from 2002-2004.

Prior to joining the regional sports television business, Cade spent two years (2000-2002) at Starcom Worldwide in Chicago as Associate Media Director.  Cade also held prior sales positions with Group W Sports Marketing (Director of Midwest Sales, 1995-2000), Katz Media Group (Midwest Sports Executive, 1994-1995) and the Chicago Bulls (Corporate Sales Executive, 1992-1994).

A native of Glenview, IL, Cade graduated from Western Michigan University in 1992 with a degree in communications.  He was honored in 2011 with a “Men of Excellence” award from the Chicago Defender, along with past industry awards during his tenure with Starcom Worldwide and Group W Sports Marketing.  Cade and his wife Stephanie, along with their children, reside in Evanston, IL.