John Shea

John Shea is Chief Executive Officer of Octagon Sports & Entertainment Network, a role he assumed on April 5, 2021. Prior to being named CEO, Shea served as Global President, Marketing and Events, Octagon.  

As CEO, Shea is charged with leading the day-to-day responsibilities and strategic management for Octagon’s collection of industry-leading sports and entertainment marketing, talent management, data & analytics, and creative firms including Octagon, Futures Sport & Entertainment, FRUKT, and No2ndPlace. 

An industry veteran with more than three decades of experience in sports marketing, sponsorship, and advertising, Shea manages a team of over 1,000 employees across the globe working to help clients stand out and find the next right move in the sports and entertainment landscape. 

Since joining Octagon in 1994, Shea has been responsible for oversight of Octagon’s U.S. and international marketing practices and global marketing offices, including all partnerships, events, experiential marketing, strategy, content, technology, and creative offerings. In addition, he has led the agency’s marketing relationships with sports leagues, teams, and properties worldwide, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, PGA, LPGA, Premier League, UEFA, MLS, NWSL, FIFA, USOPC, and IOC. 

Shea’s management of Octagon’s marketing team has resulted in client partnerships that span decades, including AB InBev, Bank of America, BMW, Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, PlayStation, Mastercard, The Home Depot, and many others.  

In addition, under Shea’s guidance, Octagon’s award-winning client programs have been recognized with the industry’s highest accolades from organizations including Cannes, Clios, Ad Age, Adweek, Sports Business Journal, Leaders, and many others. 

Recognized as a trailblazer across sports business, Shea has received a collection of industry honors including being named by Sports Business Journal as one of The Most Influential People In Sports of the past 25 years. He is also a two-time honoree of SBJ’s “Forty Under 40” award, recognizing the best and the brightest of the rising generation in sports business.  

Shea earned a bachelor’s degree from St. John’s, and was a member of the Red Storm’s men’s soccer team.  

He and his wife Laura reside in Fairfield, Connecticut, and have five children.