AEW made an addition to its executive team official today.
A press release from the company confirmed that Kosha Irby has joined AEW as its Chief Operating Officer (COO). His duties will include strategic planning of “Live Events, Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Licensing, Consumer Products and other major lines of business for the company,” according to the release.
Fightful Select (subscription required) first reported in early January that Irby would be on his way into AEW and would possibly be named COO. Kirby’s LinkedIn page suggests he has been in the role since last month, and it’s not unusual for companies to wait a little bit before making C-suite hires official.
Kirby most recently served as Chief Marketing Officer for the Clemson University athletic department. He also held the same position for Professional Bull Riders (PBR) and was president of the Memphis Express in the now defunct Alliance of American Football.
“Kosha brings decades of experience within the sports, entertainment and wrestling industries alongside an incredible work ethic and passion for our brand,” AEW CEO, GM and head of creative Tony Khan said in the release. “As Chief Operating Officer, he will be a phenomenal asset to AEW as we enter the next phase of the company’s ongoing business development and expansion.”
Having another keen marketing mind on board can only help AEW, which is facing a unique challenge as it turns five years old this year. While sentiment around its product is once again high, drawing fans to shows on a consistent basis has proven difficult, and a reinvigorated WWE is eating up most of the mainstream headspace for pro wrestling.
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