Executive to Join Senior Leadership Team
PLANO, Texas – Corporate development executive Rob Schneider has joined Learfield as Chief Strategy and Development Officer, the company announced today.
Schneider, who has most recently served as Global Head of Corporate Development for GroupM, will office in the company’s Plano, Texas headquarters.
“I’m very pleased to be joining Learfield,” said Schneider. “I appreciate the manner in which Learfield has grown over the years, while developing deep relationships throughout the college sports and media industries. I look forward to helping lead continued growth of the company,” he added.
Schneider has a career populated with leadership responsibilities beginning with his service in the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of Captain. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Schneider earned an MBA from Columbia University prior to entering the media and advertising industry. He has held a number of strategy and corporate development roles at 24/7 Media, Xaxis and GroupM.
“Rob is a terrific addition to our team,” said Greg Brown, President and CEO of Learfield. “I am thrilled Rob has determined to join us, given his range of leadership experiences in strategy, acquisitions and development, combined with an impressive track record of business accomplishments. Further, his approach to his work is in perfect alignment with the culture and values of Learfield.”
Schneider, who in his new role will report to Brown, will be responsible for leading the development of the company’s strategy, guiding its activities in mergers and acquisitions and providing executive leadership to Learfield’s service businesses in tickets and marketing, venue technology and licensing.
“Given Learfield’s reputation and overall strength in sports and media, there are so many growth opportunities that will provide value to current and future clients of the company,” Schneider added. “It’s exciting to think about all the areas we will be able to explore.”
An industry leader for more than four decades, Learfield has a deep presence in the college athletics landscape nationwide. It manages the multimedia and sponsorship rights for nearly 130 collegiate institutions, conferences and arenas, and supports athletic departments at all competitive levels as title sponsor of the prestigious Learfield Directors’ Cup. Learfield also provides its collegiate partners access to professional concessions and ticket sales; branding, licensing and trademark consulting; digital and social platform expertise; campus-wide business and sponsorship development; and venue and technology systems through its affiliated companies.