PROVIDENCE, RI--(Business Wire)--Providence Equity Partners LLC (“Providence”), a premier private equity firm specializing in the media, communications, education, software and services industries, announced today that Greg Brown, former President and CEO of Learfield IMG College, has joined the firm as an Operating Partner. He will assist Providence in identifying new investment opportunities and advise on certain of the firm’s portfolio companies.
A pioneer in the collegiate sports media, technology and marketing businesses, Mr. Brown spent nearly four decades helping lead Learfield’s evolution from a small regional broadcast company into the leading collegiate sports marketing firm in the nation. The company today provides a comprehensive range of solutions, services and technology to its university partners that helps to unlock the value of college sports by engaging fans through various commerce, media and experiential platforms. For the past three years, Mr. Brown has been named one of the “50 Most Influential People in Sports Business” by The Sports Business Journal and was a Southwest winner in EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year 2017 Award for the Technology and Media Services category.
“Greg is a recognized leader in sports, media and business services who brings deep and relevant expertise to Providence as well as strong experience transforming companies through both organic growth initiatives and strategic acquisitions,” said Michael Dominguez, a Managing Director at Providence. “Having worked closely with Greg during our investment in Learfield, we know what a talented executive he is, and we’re delighted to have him working with us and serving as a resource to our portfolio companies.”
“I am thrilled to again have the opportunity to work alongside Michael and the Providence team,” said Mr. Brown. “Providence has a tremendous reputation and has long been a leader in media and communications investing. I am particularly drawn to the firm because I know it’s a strong cultural fit for me, both personally and professionally. I look forward to helping them identify new opportunities and contributing to their continued success.”
About Greg Brown
Mr. Brown joined Learfield in 1984, where he was first responsible for selling sponsorships for the Iowa State Cyclone Radio Network. He held numerous leadership positions throughout his years at the Company. In 2009, Mr. Brown was named President and CEO, overseeing a growing sports marketing firm anchored by its multimedia rights management and sponsorship initiatives. During his 11 years as CEO, he led the Company through its growth and transformation into one of the leading collegiate sports marketing firms in the nation, ultimately overseeing the merger completion between Learfield and IMG College in December 2018. He then directed Learfield IMG College into its next growth phase, focused on creating dynamic solutions for its college partners. Learfield IMG College now represents more than 1,000 collegiate athletic programs (including nearly 200 multimedia rights relationships), conference and arenas across the nation and provides a wide array of services to collegiate athletic departments, performing arts centers and event organizers. He retired as President and CEO in April 2020.
Over the years, Mr. Brown has developed a significant network of contacts throughout the sports, media, entertainment and technology ecosystem. He currently serves as co-chair of the Learfield IMG College Board of Directors and also as an adviser to the company and its executive team. He also serves on the National Football Foundation Board of Directors, is a national judge for the E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year Awards and remains deeply involved with numerous other organizations, events, platforms that are vital to the overall development of intercollegiate athletics and sports-related charities. Mr. Brown graduated from Truman State University.
About Providence Equity Partners (“Providence”)
Providence is a premier global private equity firm with more than $49 billion in capital under management. Providence pioneered a sector-focused approach to private equity investing with the vision that a dedicated team of industry experts could build exceptional companies of enduring value. Since the firm's inception in 1989, Providence has invested in more than 200 companies and is a leading equity investment firm focused on the media, communications, education, software and services industries. Providence is headquartered in Providence, RI, and also has offices in New York and London. For more information, please visit www.provequity.com.
