Nicole Smith, an advertising and marketing professional with 15 years of experience representing national sports and entertainment brands, has been appointed chief marketing officer for the WNBA Dallas Wings. Smith’s extensive experience with the Walt Disney Company, NASCAR and Major League Baseball working on programs to help brands connect with consumers in the interest of driving value, will translate into her new role building presence for the Dallas Wings.
Smith will be responsible for all marketing related functions in the creation of comprehensive fan experiences, digital, social, promotional and branding campaigns designed to engage fans and drive sales across ticketing, premium, and sponsorship. Smith will also create all marketing campaigns to help drive demand for ticketing products including single game tickets, season tickets, and premium for the Dallas Wings.
Smith will report to Mary B. O’Connor the recently appointed new President and CEO for the Dallas Wings.
“Nicole is terrific, and we are thrilled to have attracted her to our organization,” O’Connor commented. “Nicole is an accomplished marketing leader, and her extensive sports industry experience brings the skills necessary to build our marketing organization in support of our quest to grow our brand while helping other brands engage with our emerging platforms. Nicole’s marketing savviness will be invaluable in growing our fan base by identifying new markets and offering fresh ideas and new initiatives.”
Smith has excelled in highly competitive industries including sports, entertainment and hospitality. Prior to her new role with Dallas Wings, Smith served as senior director, growth segment marketing for NASCAR promoting brand and product development. Her sports business career began in 2011 when Smith spent two years with the San Diego Padres Baseball Club managing the marketing department, driving game attendance and generating sales. Additionally, she served as the global marketing manager for Disney Parks & Resorts managing marketing strategies and promotions for Disney Parks and Disney New Business Development.
“I am excited join the Wings organization as chief marketing officer,” Smith said. “The Dallas-Fort Worth area is known to be one of the best markets for a sports organization, and it’s great to see our ownership place this team in such a prestige market. I look forward to working with Mary and the rest of the organization to build on the momentum of this season ultimately creating a strong brand for the WNBA and the Dallas community.”
After college, Smith began her career in the media relations field under the Walt Disney Company and FOX, coordinating public relations campaigns and building strong relationships with regional and national media members.