Brooks Sports, Inc. announced sports marketing and communications specialist Dave Larson joins Brooks as vice president of marketing.

Strengthening Brooks’ executive management team, Larson arrives with more than 20 years of industry experience and a decorated track record of high profile marketing programs for companies including Nike, Reebok and the WTA Tour (women’s pro tennis tour). As Brooks’ vice president of marketing, Larson will be responsible for developing global marketing strategies for the Brooks brand and its products.

Supported by a staff of 14 marketing professionals, Larson’s principal areas of focus include assessing the customer profile and target for brand communication; directing the creative team to deliver the look, feel and voice of the brand; and executing grass-roots programs that communicate Brooks’ leadership in the performance running market.

“We couldn’t be more excited to bring Dave on board,” said Jim Weber, president and CEO for Brooks. “We look forward to the marketing leadership, energy and creativity we know Dave will add to one of the world’s premier running brands.”

Prior to his Brooks appointment, Larson served as vice president of marketing and communications for the WTA Tour. His most notable achievement during that tenure was creating and launching the women’s pro tour’s first brand campaign, “Get in Touch with Your Feminine Side.”

Before serving the WTA Tour, Larson spent nine years with Nike in various marketing roles. Highlights include managing the U.S. launch of Nike Shox, driving the Nike Presto campaign, and creating innovative grass-roots programs that marketed new products and events. These efforts earned Larson Brand Week’s coveted “Brand Marketer of the Year” award as well as a seat on Advertising Age’s “Marketing 100” list.

Larson’s professional repertoire also includes leading Reebok’s global sports marketing in tennis, directing the marketing efforts for three ski brands – Kneissl, Trak and Olin Skis – and serving as a product marketing manager for Wilson Sporting Goods. Larson holds a bachelor’s degree from Stanford University.