College Football Playoff Shockingly Hires Golden Knights Exec—What This Means for Your Team!

The College Football Playoff (CFP) is set to announce a significant addition to its executive team: Eric Tosi, the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of the NHL's Vegas Golden Knights, will be named the CFP's new Chief Brand Marketing and Communications Officer. This official announcement is expected to be made on Wednesday.

CFP Executive Director Rich Clark shared insights about the decision, stating, “Our main goal for bringing him on was to help us to elevate our brand in the sports enterprise.” He emphasized that while many are aware of the CFP, the organization aims to enhance its visibility and engage more effectively with fans. Tosi's extensive background in brand marketing and communications is seen as a vital asset in bridging the gap between communications and fan engagement.

Tosi has been with the Golden Knights since the franchise’s inception, initially leading communications and content before becoming the CMO. His experience extends beyond the NHL; he has also worked as a strategic advisor on marketing and brand development projects for Foley Entertainment Group, the parent company of the Golden Knights. Prior to his time in Las Vegas, Tosi spent nearly a decade with the Boston Bruins, along with stints at Red Bull New York and the New York Jets.

The hiring of Tosi comes on the heels of an organizational study conducted by Korn Ferry, which recommended the creation of a Chief Brand Marketing and Communications Officer role to unify various aspects of the CFP's operations, including communications, brand marketing, and events. “With the Golden Knights, he’s been with them since inception and built their brand, helped to elevate it, helped to bring it to the level where it was the first sports team in Las Vegas,” Clark noted. He likened the growth of the CFP to that of a startup in terms of brand marketing, highlighting Tosi's experience in transforming a new brand into a mature one.

The search for Tosi's successor involved a competitive process; Clark mentioned that over 100 applicants were considered, with Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark and Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez participating in the later stages of the interviews. Tosi's transition will involve relocating from Las Vegas to the CFP's headquarters in Irving, Texas.

This strategic move signals a new chapter for the CFP, as it looks to solidify its brand presence and enhance its relationship with fans and stakeholders within the sports community. Tosi's proven track record of elevating brand identities will undoubtedly play a crucial role as the CFP navigates its next steps.