He will bolster FH’s sports practice that supports over 75 global clients via investments to build business, protect reputation, and more
FleishmanHillard has named as its newest member NFL Senior Advisor to the Commissioner, Joe Browne (pictured), to the network’s International Advisory Board, with the announcement released on 16 March 2016. He joins 12 others to provide hands-on expert counsel to the public relations group and its clients.
The appointment takes effect on 1 April 2016, following his retirement from a half-century career with the National Football League. He will bolster the brand’s thriving sports practice which supports over 75 clients globally via investments to build business, protect reputation, and connect with key audiences.
Clients include sports brands, sponsors, professional teams and leagues as well as national governing bodies. The firm recently supported nine clients at the Super Bowl 50 and is now working with top brands and organisations to leverage opportunities surrounding the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Browne began his NFL career in 1965 as an intern in former Commissioner Pete Rozelle’s office. The subsequent 50 years saw him command various positions, eventually becoming Executive Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs in the year that was 2002.
For the past five years, in his previous role, he dealt with issues surrounding the League’s more than 20,000 retired players. As the brand’s longest tenured employee, the communications veteran’s extraordinary career reflects the incredible growth of pro football in the United States and internationally.
From government affairs to media relations, his experience covers the entire spectrum of communications. Having attended the last 49 Super Bowls, he helped grow the Big Game into the country’s most popular one-day sporting event. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for USA Football and the Pat Tillman Foundation.
Additionally, Browne recently completed a six-year term on the national Board of Governors for the United Way of America. FH’s International Advisory Board provides clients with direct counsel from some of the world’s most prestigious thought leaders and influencers from the private and public sectors.
The strategically assembled panel understands how to navigate the difficult issues faced by the firm’s clients, and provides valuable insider knowledge. Other distinguished IAB members include Anna Chennault, Clark, Edwin Crawford, Mickey Kantor, John Onoda, Leon Panetta, and Guenter Verheugen, among others.
“His value goes way beyond sports. I have known Joe for more than 20 years, and I am honored that this MVP of America’s most popular sport has accepted our invitation to join the IAB,” said John Saunders, President and Chief Executive Officer of FleishmanHillard.
