COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew SC today announced that it has hired Patrice Croci (pronounced CROW-see) as its Vice President of Marketing. Croci, a veteran executive with over two decades of experience in the public and private sectors in marketing strategy and brand messaging, joins the Club having worked for globally recognized brands Express and Victoria’s Secret PINK. In her new role which will begin September 21, she will oversee the Club’s local and national marketing, digital and brand strategy.
“We are thrilled to announce Patrice Croci as Crew SC’s Vice President of Marketing,” said Crew SC Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer Steve Lyons. “Patrice’s extensive knowledge and expertise of brand strategy development within Fortune 500 companies will be pivotal to the Club as we continue to grow, evolve and transition to our state-of-the-art stadium next summer. In addition to her vast professional experience working with globally renowned brands, Patrice is also familiar with and invested in the Columbus community and we look forward to leveraging her wealth of expertise at the Club.”
Croci joins Crew SC after running her own consulting practice, Croci Consulting, LLC, where she worked on brand and marketing initiatives across Fortune 500 businesses headquartered in Columbus. Prior to opening her own practice, she served as the Vice President of Brand and Performance Marketing for Express from 2015-2020. Before that, she served as the Vice President of Brand and Media at Express from 2012-2015. During her time at Express, her duties included overseeing development and execution of integrated marketing campaigns across men’s and women’s product portfolios as well as leading annual strategic consumer research to uncover the latest trends and customer mindsets. Notably, Croci also spearheaded Express’ sports marketing initiatives including a multi-year major league partnership with the National Basketball Association.
Prior to her time at Express, Croci served as the Senior Director of Brand Management for White House Black Market in Fort Myers, FL from 2009-2012. While there, she developed and led ongoing seasonal brand strategies across many platforms. Before joining White House Black Market, Croci served as the Director of Brand Marketing for Victoria’s Secret PINK division from 2005-2009. Notably, Croci co-led the new PINK sub-brand from its inception. Croci’s other previous experience includes working as the Senior Marketing Manager for The Limited from 2001-2005. In addition to her work in the private sector, she also worked on Capitol Hill serving as Deputy Chief of Staff for Congressman Robert Weygand of Rhode Island from 1995-2001.
A graduate of Wittenberg University, Croci later earned a master’s degree (MBA) specializing in Marketing and Event Management from George Washington University in 2001. In addition to her professional work, Croci serves as a board member for Greater Columbus Sister Cities International (GCSCI) and volunteers in a variety of community roles in Upper Arlington.
Up next, Crew SC hosts expansion side Nashville SC at MAPFRE Stadium on Saturday, September 19 [7:30 p.m. ET / FOX Sports Ohio, FOX Sports GO App / 97.1 The Fan & 971TheFan.com (English), ColumbusCrewSC.com (Spanish)].
