Playbook, Inc has hired former ESPN talent executive Gerry Matalon as executive vice president of talent development.
“Successful representation–real representation–isn’t about volume,” Playbook founder and CEO Reed Bergman said. “It’s about depth. It’s about maximizing the opportunities for your clients not simply as athletes or niche broadcasters, but as cross-platform media professionals and on-screen talent.”
Matalon, who spent 27 years at ESPN, has a reputation of turning athletes and coaches into on-air talent, including Tim Tebow, Bob Knight, Herm Edwards, Jerome Bettis and Lou Holtz.
“Adding Gerry allows our company to expand the range of our best-in-class services, spearheaded by two of the best talent execs our industry has to offer,” Bergman said.
Matalon has also worked closely with Scott Van Pelt and the late Stuart Scott. Matalon will oversee the development, media training and coaching for the agency while working closely with Kristin LaFemina, client services executive vice president.
“Playbook has created the opportunity for me to do what I love to do; to develop and coach talent performance across all media platforms.” Matalon said. “My hope is to help take Playbook to the next level of talent representation by providing the insight our clients need to excel in media.”
Matalon has also provided performance training for the NFL, NBA Players Association and the College Football Senior Bowl. Playbook has been successful training athletes in the past, with Jesse Palmer and Steve Smith among its clients.