WWE hires former NFL executive

STAMFORD, Conn., July 7, 2009 ? World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. has named Jim Connelly as Senior Vice President, Consumer Products. Connelly will oversee WWE’s Global Licensing, Home Entertainment, Book and Magazine publishing. He will report directly to Donna Goldsmith, Chief Operating Officer.

Connelly spent nearly 25 years with the National Football League, where his last position was Managing Director of NFL Europe/NFL Europe League (EL). His responsibilities included all NFL business, brand, marketing, media, fan and player development initiatives in the UK and Europe including the launch of two new EL franchises.

Connelly also held the position of SVP of Consumer Products, where he negotiated first time license agreements with the three largest global footwear/apparel makers and positioned the NFL as the first sports league to introduce a TV home shopping program on QVC. In addition, he served as VP, International Marketing, and Senior Marketing Manager for Corporate Sponsorships.

?We are thrilled to be able to tap into Jim’s extensive experience in marketing, consumer products and branding,? said Donna Goldsmith, COO, World Wrestling Entertainment. ?As a proven and recognized business leader both in the U.S. and in Europe, Jim’s business acumen will be an asset in furthering our consumer products business globally.?

After leaving the NFL in 2007, Connelly was a founding partner with The Convergence Network executive search group and also Brand Art LLC where he was appointed the global licensing agent for St. Andrews? new golf and lifestyle product businesses.

Connelly has a MBA from The College of William and Mary and a BA from Georgetown University.