The following is from a press release from Madison Square Garden Company:
Hank Ratner, president and chief executive officer of The Madison Square Garden Company, today announced that distinguished sports executive, Dave Howard, has joined the company as president, MSG Sports, effective April 9. In this role, Mr. Howard will be responsible for running the business operations of the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New York Liberty and Hartford Whale, as well as the management of the company’s Sports Properties unit.
“I am honored to be joining The Madison Square Garden Company, and particularly thrilled to have the privilege of leading MSG Sports,” said Mr. Howard.
“There are very few organizations anywhere with the strength of MSG’s sports brands, and I look forward to utilizing my experience to ensure we build on MSG’s position as one of the world’s leading sports organizations. I would also like to thank the Mets’ ownership and organization for what has been an amazing professional experience in Flushing.”
Mr. Howard joins MSG Sports following more than two decades at the New York Mets organization and Major League baseball. Most recently, he served as executive vice president of business operations for the Mets, where he had overseen all business departments, including ticket sales & services, corporate sales & partnerships, marketing &communications, broadcasting, media relations, venue services, ballpark operations, guest experience and security.
In addition, he was responsible for the team’s Florida training facility and the St. Lucie Mets and Brooklyn Cyclones minor league business operations. During his 20 years with the Mets organization, Mr. Howard held a number of significant roles, including as the team’s general counsel, corporate secretary, vice president, business affairs and senior vice president, business and legal affairs.
He played a key role in moving the Mets from Shea Stadium to Citi Field, where he was also instrumental in attracting other premiere events, including top concerts and college lacrosse, as well as the first-ever major soccer matches.
Wow, this is a huge loss for the executive branch of the New York Mets. We wish him the best on his new venture and thank him for his years of dedicated service.
