Kevin Payne Named Global Soccer Strategist for Buffalo

Source: Buffalo Brand Inovation Group

(VIENNA, VA) – Buffalo Brand Invigoration Group (Buffalo) -- the full-service, global agency representing golf, sport and lifestyle brands, destinations and communities – has named Kevin Payne as Global Soccer Strategist.

Formerly President and CEO of D.C. United (1995-2012), and President and General Manager of Toronto FC (2012-2013), Payne will engage his extensive network of contacts, brokering opportunities for new Buffalo partnerships globally. He will also lead development of soccer-specific strategies that leverage Buffalo’s expertise in creating brands people crave. 

"I’m excited to join Buffalo Brand Invigoration Group, and look forward to identifying opportunities for the company to use its vast expertise in brand communications and strategic guidance to help accelerate the growth of soccer in the U.S.,” says Payne. “The forward momentum of the sport is exciting and, in the next few years, it will be important that the direction of the emerging North American soccer identity is communicated clearly and consistently.” 

During his more than 25 years as an executive for U.S. Soccer and Major League Soccer, Payne’s myriad accomplishments include assembling the first ownership group for D.C. United. During his tenure, the team captured 12 domestic and international trophies – including four MLS Cups – becoming the most successful professional soccer franchise in American history. Payne was a 16-year Board Member of the U.S. Soccer Federation and also serves as Vice Chairman for the U.S. Soccer Foundation Board of Directors.

“The excitement around soccer is at an all-time high,” says Rich Katz, Managing Director of Buffalo. “With the 2014 World Cup behind us, landmark TV deals and rising sponsorships, Kevin will lead a passionate team of experts to help companies and organizations reach their brand and sales potential through soccer.”

With more than 3.5 billion fans worldwide, soccer is the world’s most popular sport. According to ESPN Sports Tracker, 39 percent of all U.S. sports fans expressed interest in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which attracted record domestic TV viewership. This came after a 2013-2014 English Premier League season that included nine of the 10 most-viewed EPL telecasts in U.S. history, as reported by Sports Media Watch.

A 30-person firm headquartered outside Washington, DC, Buffalo has offices in New York, Boston, Minneapolis, New York, Richmond, Raleigh and San Antonio. For more than 14 years, it has helped create and execute strategies to connect brands with their unique target audiences.

Early this year, the company hired Joe Steranka – retired CEO of PGA of America (2005-2012) and executive with sports agency ProServ – as its Chief Global Strategist. Also, Glenn Gray was recently promoted to PR Director for Buffalo Sport and will work closely with Payne.

About Buffalo Brand Invigoration Group
Through its public relations, strategy development, integrated marketing, social media and design work, Buffalo increases awareness, market share and profits for companies operating in more than 40 countries. A division of Billy Casper Golf – the largest owner-operator of golf courses, country clubs and resorts in the U.S. – Buffalo’s golf, sport and lifestyle clients include ECCO, LPGA, Sports Turf Managers Association, World Golf Foundation, KENTWOOL, Fila Golf, Dollamur, Nicklaus Brands, Kauai Visitors Bureau Golf Cooperative, CHAMP Spikes, Ballybunion Golf Club (Ireland), Arccos, PGA National Resort & Spa, Galvin Green, Sea Pines Resort, Cordillera Ranch, Team Express and Keswick Hall. 

For more information: 703.761.1444, www.BuffaloBIG.com.