The Virginia Tech Hokies officially hired Brian White as athletic director on June 22. Since officially taking over as the head of Virginia Tech athletics on June 24, White has been busy. On Wednesday, White made his fourth significant hire since arriving in Blacksburg. Virginia Tech announced the hiring of PJ Mullen as the Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Marketing Officer.
Mullen comes to the Hokies
from Rutgers, where he served as Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director for Marketing, Fan Experience and Brand Strategy. With the Hokies, Mullen will oversee “marketing and fan experience, athletic communications, creative services, ACC Network operations, broadcast operations and the department’s in-venue experience,” per Virginia Tech’s official website.
Brian White released the following statement on Mullen’s hiring.
PJ is one of the most innovative and forward-thinking leaders in college athletics, and we’re thrilled to welcome him and his family to Blacksburg,” White said. “I’ve said many times that college athletics is in the entertainment business, and our responsibility is to create the very best fan experience and gameday atmosphere in the country. PJ understands exactly what that looks like. He has built a reputation for elevating brands, creating memorable experiences for fans and driving innovation across every area he leads. His vision, creativity and collaborative leadership will be instrumental as we continue to strengthen the VT brand, deepen our connection with Hokie Nation and position Virginia Tech for long-term success.
Mullen has a history with head football coach James Franklin. Before his time at Rutgers, Mullen worked at Penn State as the Director of Marketing. Mullen is a Pennsylvania native and graduated from Penn State in 2007.
So far, White has made the following hires since his arrival:
- Ryan Gottlieb: Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Strategy Officer
- Brad Bell: Executive Associate Athletics Director of Advancement and Executive Director
- Mary Giardina: Deputy Athletics Director and Chief of Staff
