Global marketing and communications agency FINN Partners, has appointed former NBA communications executive John Acunto as a Senior Partner. In his new role, he will help to propel FINN’s new sports division further into sports betting, esports and professional team sports.
Acunto, who began working with FINN on April 27, will be based at the company’s headquarters in New York City and will report to Missy Farren, the firm’s Managing Partner overseeing the firm’s Consumer, Lifestyle & Sports group.
Before his move, Acunto spent nearly 20 years at the NBA where he directed business and international communications. During that period he managed the development and implementation of communications strategies for digital and social media, fantasy and sports betting, esports, television partners and international business.
He also helped forge partnerships with Facebook, Nike, Gatorade, The Walt Disney Company and Verizon Wireless.
Additionally, Acunto has worked on the launch of the league’s social media presence and communications efforts; the current record broadcast agreements with ESPN and Turner Sports; the launch of the NBA 2K League; historic agreement with MGM – the first major US professional sports league partnership with a sports betting operator; and the first-ever NBA games in Africa and India.
“I am elated to join FINN and bring my expertise in communications and passion for sports to their incredibly talented team,” said Acunto. “For nearly 20 years, I had the opportunity to learn from great leaders at the NBA, and now I’m looking forward to collaborating with my new colleagues to grow our sports division and deliver best-in-class service to our partners.”
Farren commented: “I am excited to bring John back to our group where he will join Senior Partner Caroline Andrew and our exceptional team of communicators and athletes spanning surf to snow and court to turf.”
