New Bedford, Ma, January 16, 2006…Ahead, the leader in branded headwear and apparel, has named sports marketing veteran Jim Keenan as Director of Marketing.
In his new role, Keenan will be responsible for all aspects of the marketing spectrum including advertising, promotions, sales support, public relations and branding initiatives.
"Jim brings a tremendous amount of industry knowledge and marketing insight to Ahead," stated Ken Shwartz, CEO, Ahead. "As we continue to build the Ahead brand worldwide with product innovations and the expansion of product categories and distribution channels, our marketing efforts will be an integral part of our continued success. Jim will be working closely with retailers and our sales force to develop unique tools to help them in their sales and merchandising efforts."
Keenan has a strong sports marketing background that started as a marketing vice-president for Citibank where he ran the NFL Visa program. In 1992, Keenan started his own firm, Game Plan Marketing, focusing on consumer sports sponsorships for such clients as NFL Properties, E. & J. Gallo and MasterCard. He has conducted over 800 uniquely themed golf events including an annual series of corporate events for the NFL. In 2004, Game Plan Marketing merged with the Silverman Group in New Haven, which clients include the Buick Championship and the Big East Conference. Keenan draws his unique and creative insight from spending his early years on the agency side as a former copywriter and account supervisor.
"I am thrilled to be part of one of the most innovative companies in golf industry," stated Keenan. "Ahead has lead the way in ornamentation designs in headwear and apparel for the past ten years and continues to set industry standards for quality and service. I look forward to working closely with our customers and developing fresh new programs that will help them become even more successful with Ahead product."
A Graduate of Fairfield University with a degree in Psychology and Communications, Keenan will be relocating to Massachusetts from nearby Connecticut with his wife and daughter.
Ahead is a designer and marketer of branded headwear, apparel and accessories. Headquartered in New Bedford, Massachusetts, the company operates four distinct business units– the Ahead Authentic apparel line, the Kate Lord Collection of fine women’s hats, apparel and accessories, the Ahead "Heavy Metal" line of golf accessories, and the Company’s unparalleled line of Ahead Headgear. Ahead is a sponsor of PGA Authentic and a supporting partner of PGA Golf Retirement Plus.
Contact:
Jackie Beck
For Ahead
PH: 860.304.3643
