John Shea
Chief Executive Officer
John Shea is Chief Executive Officer of Octagon R&CPMK, 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 R&CPMK’s collection of industry-leading sports and entertainment marketing, talent management, communications, influencer, and creative firms including Octagon, R&CPMK, FRUKT, Futures Sport + Entertainment, Milkmoney, and No2ndPlace.
An industry veteran with more than two decades of experience in sports marketing, sponsorship, and advertising, Shea manages a team of 1,200+ employees across more than 50 offices in 22 countries around the world working to help the agency network’s clients 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, Allstate, Bank of America, BMW, Cisco, Coca-Cola, Delta, PlayStation, Taco Bell, Mastercard, and many others. In addition, under Shea’s guidance, Octagon’s award-winning client programs have been recognized by Cannes, Clio Sports, Sports Business Journal, and many others.
A graduate of St. John’s University, Shea was named one of Sports Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” – as one of the best and the brightest of the rising generation in sports business – in 2008 and 2009.