NASCAR Reshuffles Media Group Leadership

Steve Herbst to head rebranded NASCAR Productions

By Andrea Morabito -- Broadcasting & Cable, 6/5/2012 2:57:54 PM

NASCAR on Tuesday announced a change in the leadership structure at broadcasting and production units, selecting Steve Herbst to lead what was formerly known as NASCAR Media Group.

Herbst, who has overseen NASCAR's broadcasting and global media rights since May 2011, will now lead the rebranded NASCAR Productions, which will be more closely aligned with NASCAR Broadcasting, NASCAR Digital Media and NASCAR Entertainment.

His new title will be VP, broadcasting and production and he will report to senior VP and CMO Steve Phelps. Herbst's pre-NASCAR resume includes executive VP/general manager of CBS College Sports Network and 19 years with the NBA in a number of broadcasting positions.

Additionally, Steve Stum has been promoted to VP of operations and technical production, Tally Hair has been named managing director of productions and programming and Seth Bacon has been upped to senior director of broadcasting. All appointments are effective immediately.

Jay Abraham, most recently COO of NASCAR Media Group, is no longer with the company.

Along with the leadership changes, NASCAR Productions will now solely focus on projects related to NASCSAR after current unrelated projects have been completed.

"Over the last two years NASCAR has taken a number of steps and made significant investments to drive long-term growth and build value for industry stakeholders," said NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France. "This is the next evolution to better position NASCAR to meet the challenges of the existing business landscape and to capitalize on the growth opportunities before us."