The San Francisco 49ers announced the hiring of Alex Chang as chief marketing officer on Wednesday. A veteran of almost two decades in major brand marketing, Chang has become an influential player in the sports marketing industry over the last eight years while with American Express, IMG, Wasserman and Samsung Electronics America. Most recently, Chang served as the head of partnership marketing for Samsung.
In his role with the team, Chang will lead all areas of marketing including brand marketing, communications, game/event presentation, creative services, content, media, digital, social and community programs.
"Our leadership team was strengthened today with the addition of Alex Chang," said 49ers President Al Guido. "His combined experience and track record for successfully growing global brands, sparking innovation, and driving business development make him uniquely qualified to serve as our chief marketing officer as we continue to elevate and evolve our franchise. We look forward to Alex's leadership and insight as we continue to uncover new and exciting ways to engage and grow the Faithful fanbase."
Prior to Samsung, Chang spent three years working for elite marketing agencies. He was vice president, brands at Wasserman where he advised global brands on their sports and entertainment marketing partnerships. Prior to his time at Wasserman, he served as vice president at IMG College.
Chang cut his teeth in the marketing industry at American Express, where he spent 13 years in various marketing roles including vice president of sports and entertainment marketing and vice president of U.S. advertising. He also served on the executive leadership team at American Express which created Small Business Saturday. Alex began his career at Ernst & Young as a senior consultant.
"I'm excited and honored to join the 49ers, a franchise with both a rich history and incredible future potential. The spirit of innovation in the organization is strong and will be critical as we adapt to the shifting marketing landscape." said Chang. "I'm looking forward to leading our team of best-in-class marketers to position the 49ers for success."
In 2013, Alex was named to the Sports Business Journal's "Forty Under 40" list, recognizing the most promising executives in the sports industry. His work has also been underscored by multiple awards from the Effies, CLIOs, Cannes Lions, Event Marketer, and Business Marketing Association.
A North Carolina native, Chang earned both his B.S. in biology and master's in health policy from Emory University in Atlanta. Chang and his wife, Menaka, have three children, Kalin, Dhilan and Misha.
