KENNESAW, Ga. – An industry veteran with almost 20 years of experience in revenue generation, Rob Aycock has been hired as the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Strategic Initiatives and Revenue Generation, Director of Athletics Milton Overton announced Friday, July 21, 2023.
Aycock has worked with the Memphis Grizzlies, UNC Wilmington, High Point, Kent State, and most recently his alma mater, Wake Forest.
"We are excited to welcome such a quality and experienced member to Owl Nation in Rob Aycock," said Overton. "Notably in his recent milestones in the Power 5 and NBA, Rob has achieved success in rising revenue streams at all levels. He will be a great asset to KSU as we prepare to soar in 2024 to Conference USA."
Aycock was the Associate General Manager for Wake Forest Sports Properties since December 2019. He exceeded sales goals and garnered new six-figure partnerships each season. He solicited the largest beer sponsorship in WFU history that included the introduction of an officially licensed beer (Deacon Brew).
From April 2016 - Dec. 2019, Aycock supported the NBA's Grizzlies by managing a $3MM major client portfolio of Ford, Valvoline, Bass Pro Shops, BlueCross Blue Shield, and Miller-Coors. He signed the largest new partnerships and led the team in sponsorship sales for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons. Aycock's tenure in Memphis, which he began as the Senior Manager for Development and was promoted to Director of Development, was highlighted by conducting the largest drive to retail promotion in the Grizzlies' history.
"I'd like to thank Milton Overton and Brad Ledford for the opportunity to join Kennesaw State Athletics at such an exciting time," said Aycock. "I can't wait to get to campus and start working to improve the experience and opportunities available to each of our student-athletes."
Aycock served as UNCW's Senior Associate Athletic Director from April 2013-2016. He increased athletic giving by over 75%, crafted and led the execution of marketing plans that resulted in top-25 national attendance marks, and solicited capital support to renovate the Seahawks' baseball stadium, softball stadium, and volleyball locker room. Aycock constructed the reallocation of scholarships to comply with Title IX and Title VI while also increasing the broad-based competitiveness of all sports.
"Rob stood out from among many great candidates, and we're excited to have him on our team," said Deputy Athletic director Brad Ledford. "His vast wealth of experience with generating revenue, strategic planning, marketing and innovation will assist in leading KSU Athletics into C-USA next July and beyond."
Aycock graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts from Wake Forest, and in 2005, earned a Master of Sport Management from Tennessee. Following his graduation, he worked at Wake Forest as an Assistant Director of Ticket Operations, then as an Associate Director of Athletic Advancement at Kent State. Aycock then returned to his home state as an Associate Athletic Director at High Point from 2009-2013.
