Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark hires Kirkham, Williams to lead marketing and business initiatives

By Trevor Matthews, Staff Writer
Published Sep 28, 2022

The Big 12 Conference brought another two members onto its staff this week. Commissioner Brett Yormark introduced Tyrel Kirkham, Chief Marketing Officer and Clark Williams, Associate Vice President – Brand Communications, according to Big12sports.com.

 

In their roles, both Kirkham and Williams will focus on brand modernization, cultural marketing and student-athlete and organizational storytelling for the conference.

​​“I am very excited to have Tyrel and Clark become part of the Big 12 team,” said Yormark. “As we welcome four new member institutions and build the Big 12 brand, their knowledge provides a pathway for us to better connect with contemporary culture, non-traditional media outlets, engage in storytelling, and amplify our domestic and global plans.”

Kirkham and Williams both come over to the big 12 after being a part of the NBA’s Detroit Pistons. Kirkham spent the last two seasons as Vice President of Brand and Marketing Strategy for the team. Overseeing game presentations, events, influencer and cultural marketing and social media. Before the Pistons, Kirkham had also spent time in roles for the Los Angeles Rams, Brooklyn Nets and the New York Mets. 

“After eighteen years in professional sports, I’m thrilled to enter the collegiate space at an incredibly exciting and dynamic time,” said Kirkham. “There are endless opportunities to reimagine the Big 12’s brand, and I’m thankful for Commissioner Yormark’s trust in me to lead the charge.”

As for Williams, he served as the Director of Communications for the last two and a half years with the Detroit Pistons. Williams was in a managing position for basketball communications and oversaw brand and strategic communications. Williams also has an extensive career working with Roc Nation Sports, the NFL, Atlanta Falcons, PUMA and more. 

“I grew up on Big 12 athletics, right here in Texas – having the opportunity to work for the conference that sparked my love of sports is truly special,” said Williams. “I look forward to working with Commissioner Yormark, Tyrel, and the rest of my colleagues to modernize the Big 12 brand and enhance our conference’s storytelling engine.”

Williams and Kirkham are now set to lead the Big 12 in marketing, cultural and business initiatives.