• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, February 14, 2008

ESPN has tapped a consumer insights expert for its research team. He joins from a branding consultancy.

Barry Blyn has been hired as vice president, consumer insights at the network. He will report to Artie Bulgrin, senior vice president, research and sales development.

"Barry's breadth of experience and unique skills will enable us to build an industry-leading fan intelligence program, which will help grow ESPN's brand extensions across multiple platforms," Bulgrin said.

Previously, Blyn was at consultancy Sterling Brands as senior vice president, strategy, where he worked with clients such as MTV and A&E. Before that, he was at Comedy Central, rising to vice president, programming research.

Blyn started his career working at the firm founded by well-known political consultant Peter Hart.