Howard Handler
A recognized brand builder and transformational leader for more than 30 years, Howard Handler was named CMO of Major League Soccer in January 2012. Handler is responsible for growing the fan base and leading the brand, digital, social, content, fan data and events for the league.
Handler has built and burnished the brands and businesses of some of the most noted companies in the world including Virgin Mobile, The National Football League, MTV, Saturday Night Live, Madison Square Garden and Quaker Oats.
Prior to joining MLS, Handler served as EVP marketing and sales at Madison Square Garden.
Handler was the CMO for Virgin Mobile USA where he led marketing, product, sales,business development and media relations. Handler played a central role in creating 5M subscribers, $1.2B revenues, and achieving an IPO in October 2007.
Handler was also President and CEO for Burly Bear Network, a start-up cable network and youth marketing company sold to National Lampoon.
Handler was SVP marketing and fan development for the NFL where he created the league's first brand campaign, architected and scaled a cross-network promotional media asset, and grew the retail business through the development of NFL Shop.
Earlier, Handler served as SVP marketing for MTV, launching Beavis & Butthead, The Real World, MTV Asia and the Peabody Award-winning Choose or Lose voter awareness campaign.
Prior to MTV, Handler was VP marketing and merchandising for Broadway Video, producers of Saturday Night Live and Wayne’s World -- The Movie.
Handler launched his career in brand management at The Quaker Oats Company in Chicago.
Originally from Detroit, Handler holds a bachelor's degree and an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan.