Kirkham and Williams Lead Big 12 Marketing, Cultural and Business Initiatives

Big 12 Commissioner Brett Jormark will work with Chief Marketing Officer Tyrell Kirkham to coordinate the conference’s strategies on brand modernization, cultural marketing, student-athletes, organizational storytelling, and business ventures. Announced the hiring of Clark Williams, Vice President of Brand Communications. .

“I am very excited to have Tyrell and Clarke join the Big 12 team,” said Yeomark. “As we welcome four new member institutions and build the Big 12 brands, their knowledge will be used to deepen connections with contemporary culture, non-traditional media outlets, engage in storytelling and national and global planning. It provides an avenue for expanding the

Kirkham and Williams each have over 10 years of experience in the sports industry, with expertise at the intersection of sports, culture and community. The two will oversee new and expanded efforts in marketing, advertising and licensing as the conference strengthens its connections with current and future student-athletes. Storytelling, championship enhancements and social media growth will also be key focus areas.

“After 18 years in professional sports, I am thrilled to step into the college world at an incredibly exciting and dynamic time. I am grateful to the Yormark Commissioner for his confidence in me.”

Kirkham has spent the past two seasons as Vice President of Brand & Marketing Strategy for the NBA’s Detroit Pistons, overseeing influencer and cultural marketing, game presentations, events, social media and merchandising. Prior to joining the Pistons, Kirkham spent two years with the Los Angeles Rams, where he served as vice president and general manager of merchandising. Prior to joining the Rams, he spent six years at the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays center, where he served as Global Vice President of Merchandising. Kirkham also worked for the Mets in New York for eight years as a member of the Venue Services Department.

Kirkham graduated from State University of New York-Cortland in 2005 with a BA in Sports and Fitness Management.

“I grew up here in Texas with the Big 12 track and field. To have the opportunity to work at a conference that sparked my love of the sport is truly something special,” Williams said. “I look forward to working with Commissioners Jormark, Tyrell and other colleagues to modernize the Big 12 brands and enhance the conference’s storytelling engine.”

Williams also came to the Big 12 from the Detroit Pistons, where he has been director of communications since 2020. In this role, he oversaw brand and strategic communications while taking on managerial roles in his communications for basketball. Prior to joining the Pistons, Williams served as sporting director at Communications for five years, Burke and Rock, where he was public relations for Nation Sports and its roster. Williams has also provided communication strategies for the NFL, Atlanta He Falcons, PUMA and others. His career includes IMG, Oakland A’s, Major League Baseball, New York Mets, Kansas City Chiefs.

A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Williams graduated from the University of Missouri in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in sports management.