LEADERSHIP TEAM

Learfield’s leadership team is privileged to serve our employees, stakeholders, communities, and investors. Building a trust-driven culture rooted in integrity and innovation requires a commitment to diversity and a passion in everything we do.

Cole Gahagan

President and Chief Executive Officer

As the President and CEO of Learfield, Cole leads the largest sports media and technology company in college athletics. With over 2,000 employees across the country, Learfield manages five different operating businesses, each serving sports and live events. Cole joined Learfield in early 2020, previously serving as Chief Commercial Officer for Fanatics. Before that, he held executive leadership roles at Ticketmaster and Live Nation, including Chief Revenue Officer and Senior Vice President of Development and Strategy.

Under Cole’s leadership, Learfield has innovated across all company business areas, including the establishment of Fanbase, the largest data platform in college athletics; the launch of Learfield Studios, the leading media and content platform in college sports; and the monetization of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), to name a few. Cole also led the company in a landmark recapitalization in 2023 – reducing debt by $600M and securing an equity infusion of $150m – strengthening its financial position and providing additional capital to fuel innovation and growth.

As a respected leader and visionary, Cole has received the Sports Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award, Leaders in Sport’s Leaders Under 40 Award, and Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of The Year Award. Additionally, in September 2025, Cole was ranked 15th on USA Today’s 25 most powerful people in college football.