Learfield Named Matt Deimund Chief Strategy Officer
The Dallas-based company shifts its executive leadership as it seeks new growth across its portfolio.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in People
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Learfield has appointed Matt Deimund as its new Chief Strategy Officer, where he will oversee corporate strategy and growth across all company holdings. Deimund returns to the firm following the company's sale to TPG in June 2024.
Why it matters
This executive transition signals a strategic pivot for Learfield under its new ownership structure, prioritizing growth initiatives as the company integrates after its mid-2024 sale to TPG. Operators should monitor how these leadership changes influence the company's long-term service offerings and partnership models.
Matt Deimund returns to the firm after a 4-year hiatus, having previously served a 3-year tenure that began in February 2019. He previously held a 3-year stint as Chief Transformation Officer at Varsity Spirit.
The players
Matt Deimund
The incoming Chief Strategy Officer previously served as Chief Product Officer at Dude Perfect and Chief Transformation Officer at Varsity Spirit.
Cole Gahagan
The President and CEO of Learfield manages the firm's strategic direction and corporate leadership.
Ben Mathan
The former Chief Strategy Officer transitioned to the role of President of Digital and Technology at Learfield.
Learfield
A media and technology company recently acquired by private equity firm TPG.
TPG
A global alternative asset management firm that acquired Learfield in June 2024.
The details
In his new role, Deimund reports directly to Learfield President and CEO Cole Gahagan. He is tasked with overseeing corporate strategy and managing growth across the company's diverse holdings. Concurrently, former Chief Strategy Officer Ben Mathan has transitioned to a new role as President of Digital and Technology, a shift reflecting the firm's focus on digital infrastructure following its June 2024 sale to TPG.
Timeline
February 2019: Deimund began his initial three-year tenure at Learfield.
June 2024: The sale of Learfield to TPG was completed.
September 22, 2026: The company announced the new executive personnel changes.
Market Landscape
This leadership adjustment follows the June 2024 sale of Learfield to TPG, marking a standard post-acquisition organizational restructuring. It aligns with the common practice of installing veteran leadership to drive growth mandates established by new private equity owners.
Operators should evaluate whether Learfield's shift in leadership and strategy impacts current or pending service contracts. Monitoring the transition of the digital and technology division provides a signal for future service capabilities and potential pricing shifts.
The takeaway
This executive appointment underscores the emphasis on internal growth strategy in the wake of private equity ownership. Owners and managers should track how the shift in leadership responsibilities affects the company's service offerings and partner relations over the next two quarters.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership trends, see our coverage of People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sportsbusinessjournal.
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