Learfield Hired Matt Deimund as Strategy Chief
The Dallas-based company appointed Deimund as Chief Strategy Officer following executive leadership changes.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in People
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Learfield announced that Matt Deimund has returned to the company as its new Chief Strategy Officer. He will lead corporate strategy and oversee growth initiatives across the firm's various holdings.
Why it matters
The appointment follows Learfield's recent sale to TPG, signaling a shift in leadership structure as the company focuses on its future growth strategy. Deimund now reports directly to President and CEO Cole Gahagan.
Matt Deimund returns to Learfield four years after his previous departure. He previously served a three-year tenure at the company starting in February 2019.
The players
Matt Deimund
He is the newly appointed Chief Strategy Officer at Learfield who previously held executive roles at Dude Perfect and Varsity Spirit.
Learfield
This Dallas-based company manages media and technology solutions for collegiate athletic departments and was sold to TPG in 2024.
Cole Gahagan
He serves as the President and CEO of Learfield and oversees the company's corporate strategy.
Ben Mathan
He served as Learfield's Chief Strategy Officer since 2022 before transitioning to his new role as President of Digital and Technology.
TPG
This is a global alternative asset management firm that completed its acquisition of Learfield in June 2024.
The details
Deimund joins Learfield from his previous roles as Chief Product Officer at Dude Perfect and Chief Transformation Officer at Varsity Spirit. As part of the transition, former Chief Strategy Officer Ben Mathan has been promoted to the role of President of Digital and Technology.
Timeline
February 2019: Deimund began a three-year tenure at Learfield.
June 2024: The sale of Learfield to TPG was finalized.
September 22, 2026: The company announced the new executive personnel changes.
Market Landscape
This leadership appointment follows the structural changes initiated after the June 2024 sale of Learfield to TPG. The company is reconfiguring its executive team to align with new ownership goals and competitive positioning in the collegiate media sector.
For stakeholders and clients, this change signifies a shift in Learfield's strategic direction under new TPG ownership. The focus on digital and technology growth suggests that corporate partners may see updated service offerings in the coming quarters.
The takeaway
Deimund brings extensive experience from his prior stints at Varsity Spirit and Dude Perfect to his new executive role. His return highlights the emphasis on leadership continuity as the company integrates into its new ownership structure.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest leadership developments in the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sportsbusinessjournal.
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