News and Insights
FINN Partners Names Former Big Ten Conference and Philadelphia Eagles Communications Executive Zach Groen as Vice President of Sports Division
May 4, 2022
New York, NY (May 4, 2022) – FINN Partners, an award-winning, independent global marketing and communications agency, today announced Zach Groen, a sports public relations executive who has worked with the Big Ten Conference and various NFL teams, has been appointed as Vice President of FINN’s growing Sports Division.
Groen, who began with FINN last month, will be based in Chicago and will work alongside Senior Partner John Acunto and Vice President Matt Saler of FINN’s Sports Division, while also collaborating on projects across the firm’s Consumer and Lifestyle groups.
Prior to joining FINN, Groen spent two years with the Big Ten Conference, where he served as Director of Communications, helping lead media operations for events such as the Big Ten Football Championship Game and the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament, while also working on the conference’s public affairs initiatives.
Before his time with the Big Ten Conference, Groen spent six seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles as Public Relations Manager where he promoted the organization’s players, coaches and executives, and managed daily media access to the team. Additionally, he oversaw media credentialing operations for home games played at Lincoln Financial Field, including the 2017 NFC Championship Game. During the 2017 season, Philadelphia captured the first Super Bowl title in franchise history, with Groen playing an integral role in all of the team’s communications efforts throughout the postseason.
Along with the Eagles, Groen has held public relations positions with the Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots. Prior to his eight-year career working with NFL teams, Groen worked as a Junior Account Executive at Mfa Ltd. under current FINN Managing Partner Missy Farren.
“I am excited to join FINN Partners and have the opportunity to work alongside John, Matt and their immensely talented and award-winning team,” said Groen. “FINN Sports has seen incredible growth working in professional sports, college sports, sports betting, gaming and more. I look forward to collaborating with our clients and doing great work.”
“We are excited to add Zach to our team, as his extensive experience working in both professional and college athletics will be a tremendous asset to our clients,” said Acunto. “His background with three of the NFL’s preeminent franchises and one of the most-well respected conferences in college sports will be invaluable as we continue to build something special here at FINN.”
FINN’s Sports Division has seen continual growth over the last two years while working with leaders throughout the sports industry and beyond including Comcast, Fan Controlled Football (FCF), Entain, Lead1 Association, Mobile Premier League, and many others. Recently, the team received the PR Week Award 2022 for Best in Arts, Entertainment, Sports & Media for their work with FCF.
A native of New Haven, Conn., Groen attended Tufts University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English and minored in mass communications and media studies. Groen was a four-year member of the Tufts men’s lacrosse team and helped the Jumbos capture the school’s first NCAA team national championship as a senior in 2010. Groen resides in the Chicagoland area with his wife and daughter.