Feb. 20, 2013

PULLMAN, Wash. - Washington State University Athletics and IMG College, the multi-media rights holder for Cougar Athletics, jointly announced the appointment of Matt Almond as General Manager, Washington State IMG Sports Marketing.

Almond has spent the past four years with IMG as a senior account executive/associate general manager, where he oversaw partnerships between IMG and the WSU athletic department. In that time, he exceeded expectations in forging partnerships beneficial to the university. In 2010 he was named the Chairman's Cup winner, awarded to the company's top seller. Almond had been serving as the interim general manager since November, 2012.

"I am extremely excited about the opportunity before me and my team," Almond said. "I plan to work collectively with WSU Athletics and our IMG corporate partners on delivering highly impactful, fan-centric corporate advertising elements to our game day shows."

Almond is a 2006 graduate of WSU with a degree in sport management. Upon graduation he spent three years as director of sponsorships and stadium operations for the Spokane Indians Baseball club before joining IMG in 2009. He and his wife, 2005 Cougar alumnus Kayla, have two children, Kannon and McKenna.

"Washington State is a valued partner of IMG College, and we're excited to have Matt working with (Athletic Director) Bill Moos and his outstanding team, helping to grow the Cougar athletic program," said Ben Sutton, President of IMG College. "Matt is a talented marketer who understands how to bridge the needs of universities and partners in creative solutions that ultimately build the Cougars brand."

Moos echoed the thoughts of Sutton, applauding Almond's work over the past few years.

"Matt is a tremendous Cougar and has carried that distinction his entire life. He has a strong knowledge of the culture of WSU and will continue to foster and expand the strong partnerships developed through IMG College and Washington State Athletics."

IMG, which began a 10-year agreement as WSU's multi-media rights holder in the fall of 2008, manages the Cougar Sports Radio Network, corporate marketing opportunities involving hospitality events, on-site promotions at WSU football and basketball games, and oversees sales for all signage at Martin Stadium, Friel Court at Beasley Coliseum and all Cougar competition sites.