The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) Board of Directors has appointed Todd Smith as president and CEO, effective October 1, 2024. Smith succeeds current president and CEO Tom Cove, who announced his retirement earlier this year after leading the organization since 2005.
“I am excited to have Todd join the SFIA,” said Jon Ram, chairman of the SFIA Board of Directors and former CEO of C&J Clarks Shoes. “He embodies the energy and values of the SFIA and our members. It was a challenging process to find a leader capable and suitable of following in Tom’s footsteps and exceptional leadership. Todd’s leadership and strong track record will enable the SFIA to continue to excel in its work to represent our dynamic industry and our amazing members.”
Smith joined the SFIA after serving as the SVP at The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he led the expansion of the agency’s membership network, created new programs and resources for members and advanced the business community’s advocacy and policy priorities.
The SFIA said Smith brings “strong knowledge and passion for the sports and fitness industry.”
SFIA said that before joining the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Smith was a director of global partnerships for AEG a global sporting and music entertainment presenter and a subsidiary of The Anschutz Corporation. The SFIA noted that his extensive industry experience, having worked across the professional sports sector with the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, NHL’s LA Kings, and MLS’ LA Galaxy as a leader in sponsorship sales, marketing and fan development, provides Smith “with a deep understanding of the needs of SFIA members.”
“I’m thrilled to have Todd coming aboard,” said Mike Zlaket, chair of the SFIA Board search committee and CEO of Rawlings Sporting Goods. “Tom Cove is retiring with a long, successful legacy and leaves big shoes to fill, and Todd really checked all the boxes during the search process. I am confident he will be a tremendous leader who will represent our industry with class, creativity, and passion, and I know we have a very bright future ahead of us under Todd’s leadership.”
Smith holds a Master’s degree in sports management from LSU and a Bachelor’s degree from UCLA.
Image courtesy SFIA
