SOUTHLAKE, TX — TrailRunner International has hired Jamie Zaninovich as managing director to help build the firm’s sports business.

Zaninovich brings to TRI three decades of experience working in the college sports business.

Most recently, Zaninovich served as deputy commissioner and COO of the Pac-12. While in that role, he led efforts to expand a Pac-12 global initiative into China and other international markets, creating the Pac-12/SWAC Legacy Series and Pac-12 Coast-to-Coast Challenge for men’s and women’s basketball. He also helped steer the development of Pac-12 Team Green, a first-of-its-kind platform focusing on sustainability in college athletics.

The Pac-12 has been a TRI client at times over the last years and will be again with Zaninovich joining the firm. He will advice the organization media negotiations, expansion and basketball strategy, an TRI spokesperson said.

Before the Pac-12, Zaninovich served as commissioner of the West Coast Conference and a sports administrator at both Stanford and Princeton universities.

“Jamie spent his entire career in sports, and brings vast experience, exemplary leadership skills and deep relationships that will benefit our current and future clients as we continue to grow and expand,” said TRI CEO Jim Hughes. “We have had the pleasure of working with Jamie at the Pac-12 and know he is exactly the right person to help our firm build its growing sports portfolio. We’re thrilled he’s joining the TRI team.”