IRVING, USA // Tyrel Kirkham was named Chief Marketing Officer for the Big 12 in 2022. He oversees the Conference’s strategy on brand modernization, cultural marketing, student-athlete and organizational storytelling, as well as business ventures.

Kirkham previously spent two seasons with the NBA’s Detroit Pistons as Vice President of Brand & Marketing Strategy, where he oversaw influencer and cultural marketing, game presentation, events, social media, and merchandising.

Before joining the Pistons, Kirkham spent two years with the Los Angeles Rams as Vice President & GM of Merchandising. Prior to his time with the Rams, he spent six years with the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center as Vice President of Global Merchandising. Kirkham also worked with the New York Mets for eight years as a member of their Venue Services department.

A 2005 graduate of State University of New York at Cortland, Kirkham received his bachelor’s degree in Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.