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Rise & Fall: David Brandon and University of Michigan branding

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One is turning the University of Michigan Athletic Department into a revenue-generator. The other threatens to dilute the value of the maize 'n blue if it goes too far.

Here are our picks for this week's winner and loser from the news:

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Rise: David Brandon

David Brandon went from regent to athletic director, all the while running major corporations. So what’s one of his biggest attributes in the U-M role? “I love to win,” he told a crowd at the Washtenaw Economic Club. The former Wolverine makes sure his department is a winner, from top to bottom. His attention to staffing, facilities, gameday experiences, innovation - and character of the athletes (while they’re getting an education) - make him a true Michigan Man for an era when cultivating a growing but ethical program may not be universally valued.

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Fall: University of Michigan’s branding

We appreciate the business of sports marketing and the increased attention it’s getting at U-M. And we appreciate the $6 million revenue stream it generated last year. But we also have to warn: There can be too much of a good thing. We get the announcements of the new maize ‘n blue products and have to shake our heads at them (dual-toned rose bouquets? Really?). With collegiate licensing a $4.6 billion national enterprise, we know plenty of people will be approaching U-M about still more opportunities. Please show restraint.


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