The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) has hired on Bill Patterson as its chief business officer, effective immediately.
Patterson previously served as vice president of corporate marketing and strategic accounts at OpSec Security, a company well known to those working in the branding and licensing industry.
Among other things, OpSec produces an impressive suite of tools for licensing brand protection as one of the leading digital solutions providers worldwide.
“Bill has the ideal skill set and experience to introduce new projects and programs, expand and deepen our service to SFIA member companies, and grow the sports and fitness industry,” said SFIA President & CEO, Tom Cove.
Patterson spent the last 17 years at OpSec Security, playing an integral role in their marketing and sales management team. In addition to advancing the company’s digital presence and revenue streams, Patterson previously served as OpSec Security’s vice president of global licensing, where he was responsible for the brand and royalty protection of OpSec’s licensing clients including MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, NASCAR, Learfield Licensing, NYC & Company, Hard Rock Café, and others. Just last month Patterson was a speaker at the Licensing Leadership Summit.
“Leveraging his significant experience and many insights, Bill will help SFIA build stronger connections within the industry and form new relationships more broadly,” said SFIA Chairman Dan Arment. “We are confident in his ability to bring opportunities and ideas that strengthen the industry now and in the future.”