LaGrow and Popko will be responsible for representing IMG's existing properties and clients, while identifying new opportunities.
Said Steve Kerepesi, senior vice president and director of US business development at IMG: "If you ask any marketing executive to explain what they know about IMG the answer will be something like, ‘you’re the sports guys,’ and ‘you represent athletes.’ Those are just parts of IMG’s brand, and Mitch and Bruce, along with our entire team, will be in a great position to change that perception.”
LaGrow will be based in IMG’s Chicago office. He previously worked at the Cabana Group, where he was a principal and leader of the firm’s business development practice.
Prior to working at Cabana, LaGrow was director of new business development at the Walt Disney Company and was instrumental in forging strategic marketing partnerships with McDonald’s, Mondavi Winery, Hewlett-Packard and Chevron.
Popko joins IMG’s Cleveland headquarters office after six years with the Cleveland Browns. He was responsible for overseeing all marketing and promotional activities, including sponsorships, local media rights, ticket operations, luxury suite and premium seating operations, stadium-related events and other development projects.
Previously, he was director of marketing and promotions for the San Francisco 49ers and marketing manager for the New York Jets. He also worked with the National Football League, as part of the NFL Properties marketing group.
