Black advertising and marketing guru, Danielle Lee, is taking her talents to the NBA. The former Global Vice President of Partner Solutions at Spotify recently ended her four-year stint with the music streaming platform and added the new title of NBA Chief Fan Officer to her LinkedIn.
Business Insider reports the NBA tapped Lee to help keep fans interested in the league during the COVID-19 induced shutdown. After several players tested positive for coronavirus, including league MVP Kevin Durant, NBA commissioner, Adam Silver, suspended the entire 2019-2020 season indefinitely, leading to a further decline in its already dwindling ratings.
According to Business Insider, Lee will head brand and advertising strategy for the NBA, NBA 2K, and NBA G League. Lee will report to NBA Chief Marketing Officer Kate Jhaveri who explains that Lee will be responsible for expanding efforts to connect more directly with fans worldwide.
Lee sports an impressive resume which includes an MBA from Columbia Business School, a spot on Ebony’s Women Up list, and Billboard Branding Power Players 2019 list. She also sits on the board of the American Documentary, Inc. as well as the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB). Lee was also previously the Vice President of Product Marketing and Innovation at AT&T, as well as Senior Marketing Manager at Showtime Networks.
Business Insider reports that the league will only resume operations when the CDC announces a lift on mass gatherings. Until then, Lee will be a key component in leading the charge of navigating the organization through the pandemic.
