WeMatch has appointed Diego Barassi to develop its licensing and retail division, which will be anchored by the soccer tournaments Copa America Chile 2015 and the Centennial Copa America USA 2016.

Barassi has more than 15 years of experience in the development and implementation of licensing strategies, helping brands generate new business and growth.

“As we prepare for the biggest soccer event in the United States since the 1994 World Cup, we are thrilled to welcome Diego Barassi to lead our official merchandise and retail division,” says Aaron Davidson on behalf of WeMatch. “As a seasoned multi-national licensing and retail executive with more than 15 years of experience including Copa America 2007 and 2011, Diego understands the unrivaled passion of international soccer and the role of official merchandise in mega sports and entertainment events.”

“I’m thrilled to be working with one of the most powerful brands in the world,” says Barassi. “With Copa America, the oldest national team tournament in the world coming to the most diverse country in the world for its centennial, this will truly be the soccer event of the century in the United States. And the one-two punch of Copa America Chile 2015 and Centennial Copa America USA 2016 is a tremendous two-year platform for anyone looking to drive sales through the power of soccer.”