Hillerich & Bradsby Co., parent of the Louisville Slugger brand, has named Kyle Schlegel vice president of marketing. Schlegel joins H&B after a 13-year career of increasing responsibility in the marketing division of consumer packaged goods giant Proctor & Gamble. He has worked both domestically and internationally on widely recognized and highly marketed brands including Herbal Essences, Old Spice, Aussie and Wella.

“Kyle is a highly experienced marketing leader who is motivated and passionate about helping us succeed,” said H&B President & CEO John Hillerich IV. “His knowledge, insight and acumen all gained from working in a marketing-driven company like P&G will greatly benefit H&B and our brands.”

Schlegel has a wide array of experience and a proven track record of success in growing sales and market share, branding, innovation, line extension, retailer/customer collaboration, in-market execution and leadership.

He has a strong background in consumer research and created the first male segmentation model at P&G.  He introduced brands using new marketing platforms, including high school sports sponsorships, and also led partnerships with ESPN, NASCAR, GQ and Maxim, among others.

“Consumer research and market segmentation are vitally important in today’s world,” Hillerich said.  “Kyle has the experience and knowledge we need to drive success.”

Schlegel's successful work across six regions and more than 50 countries contributed to Herbal Essences being named the number one Brand Franchise Organization within P&G for two consecutive years.  He created the Tousle Me Softly line extension, cited by P&G as the number one Herbal Essences initiative in five years.  

Schlegel has been recognized by P&G with the North America Best Organization Builder Award and the North America President’s Award.
At H&B he will oversee marketing efforts for the iconic Louisville Slugger brand, the Official Bat of Major League Baseball, and will be involved with marketing of the award-winning Bionic Gloves and world-class Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory.

Originally from Russellville, Ky., Schlegel has lived in Cincinnati since graduating from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, in 1999.  There he was a double major, receiving a Bachelor of Science in marketing and a Bachelor of Arts in history.  

Schlegel played football at Miami University and served as captain of four sports during high school.  He is also a baseball and sports fan who plays softball, tennis, volleyball and other sports for enjoyment and fitness.

He has been active in various civic and charitable organizations in Greater Cincinnati and is eager to become involved with community service in the Louisville area.

Schlegel has been married to his wife Audra for five years.  They have one child.