Big Ten Network Taps Fox Sports Ohio Exec Francois McGillicuddy As Its New President

Fox Sports and the Big Ten Conference have appointed Francois McGillicuddy, GM of Fox’s Ohio regional sports networks, as president of the Big Ten Network.

The announcement was made today by Eric Shanks, CEO & Executive Producer of Fox Sports and Jim Delany, Commissioner of the Big Ten.

McGillicuddy will assume his new role in early 2019 and take over the day-to-day operations for BTN, which are currently overseen by Mark Silverman. Last January, Silverman was elevated to the position of President, National Networks, Fox Sports.

“Francois has been a key contributor and valued colleague at Fox Sports since 2006, so it is with great pleasure to now welcome him to the BTN family,” said Shanks. “We have a terrific team in place at the network and I am confident that Francois will be an outstanding addition given his strong leadership skills, wealth of experience in our industry and proven ability to work with Fox Sports’ partners.”

Delany offered a welcome to the network, calling him a “dynamic and collaborative leader with an extraordinarily diverse background uniquely suited for his new role.”

McGillicuddy, a 20-year media executive, currently serves as SVP & GM of Fox Sports Ohio and SportsTime Ohio. He oversees all aspects of those channels, including production, programming, advertising sales, marketing, and team relations, while also working in conjunction with Fox’s affiliate sales and marketing group on distribution matters.

Before Fox Sports Ohio, McGillicuddy worked at Fox’s national cable channel Speed, where he served as VP, Finance & Business Operations. He previously held executive positions at Cablevision and Madison Square Garden.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to lead the Big Ten Network, and to remain within the FOX family,” said McGillicuddy. “BTN established itself as one of the strongest networks in all of sports. I look forward to building upon that in the years ahead.”