CHICAGO, May 3, 2006 — KemperSports today announced that Dave Greeley, who has served as the chief marketing officer and senior director of sales and marketing of the Chicago Bears, will join the Northbrook-based firm as executive vice president and general manager later this month. In this newly created position, Greeley will assume responsibility for the sports marketing, public relations and special events areas of business for both KemperSports and its public relations subsidiary, KemperLesnik.
Greeley, who brings nearly 20 years of sports marketing experience to his new assignment, will spearhead the expansion of KemperSports’ marketing and events portfolio which includes the EA SPORTS Maui Invitational, college basketball’s premier early-season tournament, and the Booz Allen Classic, Washington D.C.’s annual PGA TOUR event which is expected to move to the fall in 2007 under new sponsorship. Greeley will also look to build on activities hosted at KemperSports golf properties, including the annual Big Ten/Pac-10 Challenge and the Nationwide Tour’s LaSalle Bank Open.
"I am excited to align with a company that has such a strong track record in the sports, events and public relations domains," said Greeley. "After the successful introduction of the "new" Soldier Field for the Bears, I look forward to this fresh marketing challenge. I hope to help bring the KemperSports franchise to new heights."
KemperSports Chairman and CEO Steve Lesnik said, "Dave has a clear understanding of the landscapes in which we operate our events and execute our communications efforts, and we are thrilled that he will be a cornerstone of our future growth."
Since 2000, Greeley has led the sales, marketing and business venture efforts of the Chicago Bears. He was instrumental in the development and marketing of the new Soldier Field, including all sponsorship inventory, highlighted by the acclaimed Hall of Fame Partners program, as well as all suite, ticket, club seat and PSL (permanent seat license) sales. In addition, Greeley has served on the NFL Club Marketing Executive Committee.
Prior to his tenure with the Bears, Greeley served as vice president of sales for Action Sports Media, part of the Paul Allen-owned sports portfolio, which represented 16 NCAA schools and 24 collegiate venues. He also worked with various other professional sports teams, including the Portland Trail Blazers, Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Pistons. Greeley began his career in minor league hockey.
Greeley is a graduate of the University of Michigan, where he earned both Bachelor of Arts and Master of Business Administration degrees.
About KemperSports
Northbrook, Ill.-based KemperSports Management operates golf facilities as well as athletic clubs and lodging venues nationwide, including nationally ranked courses and tournament venues such as The Glen Club, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort and Harding Park, in addition to a number of major sporting events. For more information, visit http://www.kempersports.com.
About KemperLesnik
From its founding in 1979, KemperLesnik has dedicated itself to helping clients achieve their business objectives through communications, specializing in media relations, corporate and marketing communications, crisis and reputation management, public affairs, and community relations and outreach. For more information, visit http://www.kemperlesnik.com.
Contact:
Kristin Schaner
847.480.4850
kschaner@kempersports.com
