The National Basketball Association has hired former State Farm marketing executive Pam El as its chief marketing officer.

Ms. El will report directly to NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum and oversee the league's global marketing operation, "directing brand development, overall marketing and advertising for the NBA, WNBA and NBA Development League," according to a statement from the NBA.

The NBA has not had a CMO since the 1990s, when the position was held by Rick Welts, who is currently the president and chief operating officer of the Golden State Warriors, according to the NBA. Most recently, the league's top marketing position was filled by Jamie Gallo, whose title was exec VP-marketing. Mr. Gallo, a former ad agency executive, left the NBA in January.

Ms. El left State Farm about a year ago after an 11-year run. Most recently she served as VP-marketing.

Mr. Tatum said in a statement said that he had "personally worked with Pam for many years on the NBA's partnership with State Farm," adding that, "she will be a huge addition as we work to build our brand on a global scale."

Ms El referred to her new role as "a dream come true," saying in a statement that "I love the competitiveness of the game and admire the league's world-class teams and passionate global fanbase."

She will start work on Aug. 18.