MLS CMO RUSS FINDLAY is “out after less than a year.” Findlay was the first person to hold the CMO position at the league. Former MSG Exec VP/Marketing HOWARD HANDLER, “who has been consulting with the league for several months, is handling marketing matters and is operating as the league’s de facto CMO.” Whether Handler “takes the CMO title officially won’t be known until an examination of the league's marketing plan” (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 1/23 issue).
BOILING OVER: Purdue has hired Atlanta-based Collegiate Consulting to handle the school’s ticket sales and service. Collegiate Consulting has agreed to hire a staff of four to assist the Boilermakers with outbound ticket sales and marketing. Purdue AD MORGAN BURKE said he was seeking a broader reach and and a greater ability to enhance ticket revenues and attendance. The agency, spearheaded by Managing Dir RUSSELL WRIGHT, will focus on season-ticket revenue for football, men’s and women’s basketball, and baseball, as well as single-game tickets for other events (Michael Smith, SportsBusiness Journal).
EXECS: The USTA named D.A. ABRAMS Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer (USTA)….Ilitch Holdings Inc. named CARLY STRACHAN Communications Manager (Ilitch Holdings)….Int’l Rugby Board Chief Exec MIKE MILLER is stepping down after 10 years. Miller, who also served as Rugby World Cup Limited Managing Dir, “will step down from both roles at the end of January” (REUTERS, 1/20)….Ball State Univ. AD TOM COLLINS will leave the school at the end of his current contract, which ends on June 30 (BSU)….Northern Michigan Univ. AD KEN GODFREY is stepping down from the position, but will remain as Special Assistant to the President. Godfrey was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in the fall of ’10 and has been on medical leave since that time (NMU). Specialized Bicycle named KIRK RICHARDSON GM for the U.S. market. Richardson was most recently Columbia Sportswear GM/Footwear. He worked at Nike from ’79-’06 (OREGONLIVE.com, 1/20)....Outside Television named Game Show Network Senior VP DENNIS GILLESPIE Senior VP/Distribution (THE DAILY).
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