Versant Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Versant has 9 executives leading key functions including human resources, finance, marketing, communications, operations, distribution, sports, and digital platforms.

Driven by a commitment to innovation, Versant operates as a holding company and house of brands, empowering its individual properties to make independent investments and acquisitions within the dynamic media landscape, solidifying its position as a significant player in sports and entertainment media distribution.

Leadership Roles at Versant

  • Chief Financial Officer, Television Networks - Kristin Newkirk
  • Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Production & Distribution Finance - Edward Wright
  • President, Operations & Technology - Jeffrey Mayzurk
  • President, Distribution & Partnerships - Roy Cho
  • President, Sports - Matthew Hong
  • President, Digital Platforms & Ventures - William McIntosh
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Brian Dorfler
  • Chief Marketing Officer, MS Now & Cnbc - Thomas Clendenin
  • Chief Communications Officer - Keith Cocozza
  • Kristin Newkirk - Chief Financial Officer, Television Networks

    Kristin Newkirk, the Chief Financial Officer, Television Networks at Versant, manages the financial health and strategic fiscal planning for Versant's extensive portfolio of cable television networks. Overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting for entities such as USA Network, CNBC, and Oxygen, Newkirk ensures robust financial controls and drives profitability. This critical role involves analyzing market trends and investment opportunities to maximize revenue streams from content distribution and advertising sales. By providing strategic financial guidance, Kristin Newkirk directly supports the operational independence and acquisition capabilities of Versant's individual properties. Ultimately, Newkirk's financial acumen underpins the sustained growth and market impact of Versant's television network division.

    Edward Wright - Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Production & Distribution Finance

    Edward Wright, the Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Production & Distribution Finance at Versant, spearheads financial operations for the company's production and distribution arms. Overseeing financial planning, analysis, and reporting for content creation and syndication, Wright ensures fiscal discipline and optimizes resource allocation across Versant's media properties. This leadership position involves managing complex financial models to support investment decisions in new content and distribution channels, including digital assets like Rotten Tomatoes and GolfNow. By driving financial efficiency in production and distribution, Edward Wright directly contributes to the profitability and strategic expansion of Versant's content offerings. Ultimately, Wright's financial oversight strengthens Versant's position in the competitive media landscape.

    Jeffrey Mayzurk - President, Operations & Technology

    Jeffrey Mayzurk, the President, Operations & Technology at Versant, directs the company's extensive operational infrastructure and technological advancements. Overseeing master control facilities, technical operations, and the implementation of cutting-edge media technologies, Mayzurk ensures seamless content delivery and operational efficiency across all Versant networks and digital platforms. This leadership role involves managing complex technical systems and driving innovation in broadcast and digital infrastructure. By optimizing operational processes and leveraging advanced technology, Jeffrey Mayzurk directly enhances the reliability and scalability of Versant's media services. Ultimately, Mayzurk's expertise in operations and technology underpins Versant's ability to deliver high-quality content and services to a global audience.
    Jeffrey Mayzurk

    Roy Cho - President, Distribution & Partnerships

    Roy Cho, the President, Distribution & Partnerships at Versant, spearheads the company's strategic distribution initiatives and key partnership development. Overseeing the syndication of Versant's cable television networks and digital assets, Cho secures and expands distribution agreements across various platforms and markets. This critical role involves identifying new revenue opportunities and forging alliances that enhance market reach for properties like USA Network, CNBC, and Fandango. By cultivating strong relationships with distributors and partners, Roy Cho directly drives the commercial success and audience penetration of Versant's content. Ultimately, Cho's leadership in distribution and partnerships solidifies Versant's presence in the evolving media landscape.

    Matthew Hong - President, Sports

    Matthew Hong, the President, Sports at Versant, leads the strategic direction and operational execution for Versant's sports media properties. Overseeing the acquisition and management of major sports media rights, including agreements with the USGA and the WNBA, Hong drives the growth and engagement of Versant's sports content portfolio. This leadership role involves developing comprehensive strategies for sports programming, broadcast, and digital distribution to maximize audience reach and revenue. By securing premium sports rights and enhancing fan experiences, Matthew Hong directly strengthens Versant's position as a significant player in the sports media landscape. Ultimately, Hong's focus on sports content ensures Versant's continued leadership in delivering compelling athletic programming.

    William McIntosh - President, Digital Platforms & Ventures

    William McIntosh, the President, Digital Platforms & Ventures at Versant, directs the strategy and development of the company's digital assets and new venture initiatives. Overseeing platforms such as Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, and SportsEngine, McIntosh drives innovation and growth in the digital media space. This role involves identifying emerging trends, exploring strategic investments, and enhancing user experiences across Versant's digital properties. By leading digital platform expansion and venture investments, William McIntosh directly contributes to Versant's diversified business model and its ability to adapt to evolving consumer behaviors. Ultimately, McIntosh's leadership in digital platforms and ventures secures Versant's future growth and market relevance.
    William McIntosh

    Brian Dorfler - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Brian Dorfler, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Versant, directs all human capital strategies and organizational development initiatives. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee relations, and compensation and benefits programs, Dorfler ensures the alignment of workforce capabilities with Versant's strategic objectives. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of performance and engagement across the company's diverse portfolio of cable television networks and digital assets. By optimizing HR processes, Brian Dorfler directly supports the operational efficiency and growth of properties like USA Network, CNBC, and Fandango. Ultimately, Dorfler secures a high-performing workforce essential for Versant's market leadership in sports and entertainment media.
    Brian Dorfler

    Thomas Clendenin - Chief Marketing Officer, MS Now & Cnbc

    Thomas Clendenin, the Chief Marketing Officer, MS Now & Cnbc at Versant, directs comprehensive marketing strategies for these key television networks. Overseeing brand development, audience engagement, and promotional campaigns, Clendenin drives viewership growth and strengthens market presence for MS Now and CNBC. This role involves analyzing consumer behavior and market dynamics to craft innovative marketing initiatives that resonate with target demographics. By leading integrated marketing efforts, Thomas Clendenin directly enhances the brand equity and commercial success of these prominent Versant properties. Ultimately, Clendenin's strategic marketing leadership ensures sustained audience loyalty and revenue generation for the networks under management.

    Keith Cocozza - Chief Communications Officer

    Keith Cocozza, the Chief Communications Officer at Versant, leads all corporate communications and public relations efforts. Overseeing media relations, internal communications, and crisis management, Cocozza shapes Versant's public image and stakeholder engagement across its diverse media portfolio. This strategic role involves developing and executing communication plans that align with the company's business objectives and reinforce its brand identity. By managing external and internal messaging, Keith Cocozza directly supports Versant's reputation and its relationships with investors, employees, and the broader industry. Ultimately, Cocozza ensures clear, consistent, and impactful communication that underpins Versant's market position and strategic initiatives.
    Keith Cocozza

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Versant Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Versant?
    Versant is led by Kristin Newkirk (Chief Financial Officer, Television Networks), along with executives such as Edward Wright (Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Production & Distribution Finance) and Jeffrey Mayzurk (President, Operations & Technology).
    Who is part of Versant’s executive team?
    The executive team of Versant includes leaders such as Kristin Newkirk (Chief Financial Officer, Television Networks), Edward Wright (Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Production & Distribution Finance), Jeffrey Mayzurk (President, Operations & Technology) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Versant have?
    Versant has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Versant’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Versant includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Television Networks, Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Production & Distribution Finance, President, Operations & Technology, President, Distribution & Partnerships, President, Sports.