Hillerich & Bradsby Co. named Jeff Lienhart, a 14-year veteran of Nike's sales organization, VP of global business development for Louisville Slugger.

Lienhart started his
career in Louisville Slugger's sales training program in 1993.

“We're thrilled to have Jeff come home to Louisville Slugger,” said new Louisville Slugger division president Bill Clark. Clark was recently named to replace 35-year Slugger veteran Marty Archer, who has become president emeritus. “We've followed Jeff's career with great admiration since he left H&B in 1996. He has an incredible track record for delivering outstanding results.  We expect great contributions from Jeff as our entire Louisville Slugger team works hard to win every day.”

Lienhart will play an important role in H&B strategic planning and oversee all Louisville Slugger, TPX and TPS product category sales in the U.S. and internationally, including bats, fielding gloves, batting gloves, catchers gear, equipment bags and accessories.

“H&B is a great sports company and Louisville Slugger is the greatest brand in baseball and softball in the world.  I've always been very proud to have started my career here,” Lienhart said. 

“I can tell our customers this.  Louisville Slugger is going to be very aggressive.  I'm guided by a philosophy that all decisions begin and end with the customer in mind.  We are going to challenge everything and everyone in our organization because we want to win, and we will win.  And we'll help our customers win by developing outstanding products and by providing great pricing, incredible customer service and best-in-class business collaboration.”

Lienhart started his Nike career as a senior sales representative and eventually became director of sales and operations for Nike Golf, where his responsibilities encompassed all categories – balls, clubs, apparel, footwear and accessories.  He managed the entire field sales organization and all sales operations functions.  In addition, he also served as a national sales manager, regional sales manager, and category sales and marketing manager.

Lienhart is a graduate of West Virginia University in Morgantown with a Bachelor of Science in Business-Marketing.  Jeff and his wife, Missy, have three children: Jackson, Emily, and Bradley.