Kevin Kluender currently serves as the Director of Trademark Licensing for the University of Wisconsin. He and his team are charged with being stewards of the University’s brand by supporting the nearly 400 companies who have licensing agreements with the University. Through strategic licensing programs, the University annually generates royalty revenue that is shared evenly by the Athletic Department and by the University’s Financial Aid office for need-based scholarships for UW-Madison students called Bucky Grants.
Prior to his current appointment, Kluender enjoyed a 25+ year stint with Wisconsin Athletics, most recently as the Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Promotions. In that time, he oversaw brand promotion and advertising, ticket sales campaigns, game-day activations & fan experience, event presentation and production. He and his staff's work were recognized with 21 National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA) Awards.
Kluender also enjoyed an active role at the NCAA Men's Final Four as a member the NCAA's Championship Presentation Staff. He served as the Stage Manager for Final Four Friday, the National Semifinals and National Championship at Final Four events held in Detroit, Indianapolis, Houston, New Orleans, Atlanta and Arlington.
A past chair of the Big Ten Marketing Directors, Kluender has received several Big Ten Marketing Awards including being a member of the Big Ten Marketing Staff of the Year, the Big Ten Marketing Sixth Man of the Year and the Big Ten Marketing Director of the Year.
Kluender earned his B.S. degree from UW-Eau Claire in Journalism-Advertising and an MBA with an emphasis in Marketing from UW-Parkside. A native of Port Edwards, Wisconsin, he currently resides in Stoughton, Wisconsin with his wife Sara and two sons, Kyle and Alex.
