The Detroit Pistons and Palace Sports & Entertainment (PS&E) today announced Charlie Metzger has been promoted to a newly created position of chief revenue and marketing officer. Formerly serving as executive vice president and chief marketing officer, Metzger will report directly to vice chairman Arm Tellem and oversee all sales and marketing business operations for the organization.
“Charlie has served as an invaluable member of our executive team over the last five years, leading marketing efforts to increase brand presence and drive revenue,” says Tellem. “In the last year alone, Charlie has increased his role to include cultivating corporate partnerships and propelling new consumer sales strategies. His unifying and innovative spirit will provide steady leadership and vision as we push to reach new heights as an organization.”
Metzger joined PS&E in 2012 and has led teams, built brands, and increased revenue in a variety of industries. He has driven several new business initiatives at PS&E in recent months, including the club’s radio relationship with 97.1 FM The Ticket, the launch of new Detroit Pistons primary and secondary logos, implementation of new uniform designs with NBA partner Nike, the announcement of Flagstar Bank as the team’s official jersey sponsor, and collaboration with Henry Ford Health System on the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center.
He has also created digital marketing initiatives including the Pistons Programming Network on the team’s website and fan engagement opportunities including the Piston’s venture into ESports and the NBA’s NBA2K league.
“I’m excited by this opportunity to lead our talented team of sales and marketing professionals and build on the great tradition of this celebrated organization,” says Metzger. “We’re all energized and ready to begin our first season downtown at Little Caesars Arena and motivated to exceed our customers’ expectations and be impactful in the community.”
Prior to joining the Pistons and PS&E, Metzger served as executive vice president and managing director for McCann Worldgroup in Birmingham, where he managed client business and oversaw agency resources for the company’s Midwest office. He also served as chief marketing officer of McCann’s U.S. Army account, was a member of the company’s management board, and led development of award winning integrated campaigns for General Motors Co. in 2006 and Michigan Tourism from 2007-2011.
Metzger graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
