Kim Davis joined the NHL this week after being appointed the new executive vice president of Social Impact, Growth Initiatives & Legislative Affairs. The position was newly created to acknowledge the NHL’s expanding fan base, including a growing African-American audience. Davis is committed to working with African-American communities and the NHL’s stakeholders to increase the league’s visibility.
“The impact of sports on community development can be powerful. Sport can, and does, make a profound and positive impact on individuals, communities and has the opportunity to drive positive social change. Having had the privilege of advising the NHL on its [community sports relations] practices, I’ve experienced an organization that is truly committed to contributing positively to society and fostering inclusiveness. I’m looking forward to advancing the League’s mission and working with Commissioner Bettman and the executive leadership team to help drive the continued growth and success of the NHL,” Davis explained.
She previously worked as senior managing director at Teneo, a CEO advisory firm, and she had a long career at JP Morgan Chase as president of the JP Morgan Chase Foundation. In her new role at the NHL, she will report directly to Commissioner Gary Bettman and relocate to the NHL’s New York City offices.
Davis’ appointment to this position adds to the growing number of women in executive positions in sports. She now joins women such as Dawn Hudson, the NFL’s chief marketing officer. Hudson was hired in January 2015 and has been tasked with maintaining NFL viewership despite media scandals like ‘Deflategate’ and the anthem protests. “Our whole advertising strategy — it’s to really focus on the game on the field and the things that people really love about the game,” Hudson explained. She has certainly been successful since the NFL remains at the top of sports television ratings.