Former RadioShack exec appointed CMO at Sports Authority

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Sports Authority has appointed Paul M. Okimoto as the company’s new CMO.

In his new role, Okimoto will be responsible for leading the strategic development and oversight of the company’s overall marketing plans to drive traffic and sales at stores nationwide and through the e-commerce platform. He is a 20-year marketing and general management executive with demonstrated success in retail, high-technology, mobile telecommunications, advertising and the consumer packaged goods industries.

“Paul has a proven track record of leading innovative marketing strategies for a variety of national retailers and brands,” said Darrell Webb, chairman and CEO of Sports Authority. “His expertise in acquiring and retaining profitable customers and identifying new market opportunities and strategic partnerships will be extremely valuable to Sports Authority as we focus on continued growth over the long term. We are thrilled to have Paul on board as we drive our marketing efforts forward.”

Prior to joining Sports Authority, Okimoto served as VP of marketing at RadioShack. Previously, Okimoto also held positions with the Nielsen Company as VP of corporate marketing and AT&T Wireless as head of integrated marketing communications. He began his professional career at Procter & Gamble.

The Sports Authority operates more than 475 locations across 43 states. It offers a broad range of sporting goods from leading brands, including footwear, apparel, fitness, team sports and outdoor recreation.