The leadership of the Jaguars continues to evolve.
Mark Lamping, the President and Chief Executive of MetLife Stadium and home to the New York Jets and New York Giants, on Monday was named President of the Jaguars, Jaguars owner Shahid Khan announced in a statement Monday morning.
Lamping's position becomes effective February 27.
Khan, who took over as owner January 4, called the hiring "a very important and exciting development in the Rebirth of the Jacksonville Jaguars."
"Mark will bring to the Jaguars and Jacksonville community a mix of sports and brand marketing, stadium management expertise and team front-office leadership that is very difficult to find in one person," Khan said.
Lamping will be responsible for all non-football facets of the organization, reporting to Khan. Jaguars General Manager Gene Smith will continue to report directly to Khan.
"The Jacksonville Jaguars have vast potential and I'm honored that Shad Khan is asking me to play a leadership role in reaching that potential," Lamping said.
Lamping, a native of St. Louis, has been with the MetLife Stadium group since 2008, when he was named President/CEO of the New Meadowlands Stadium Company, LLC. He was responsible for the managing/development of the $1.6 billion stadium.
"Mark's resume speaks for itself and I'm grateful to the Giants and Jets for making it possible for the Jaguars to present Mark with a new challenge and the prospect of success here in Jacksonville," Khan said.
New York Jets Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Woody Johnson; New York Giants President and Chief Executive Officer John Mara and Giants Chairman and Executive Vice President Steve Tisch issues a joint statement on Lamping's resignation early Monday afternoon:
"Mark joined our team in 2008 as construction on our new home in the Meadowlands was just beginning, and in many ways, he helped to guide the building of our stadium. From the onset, as home to two NFL franchises, our stadium project was unlike any other and Mark's guidance and business expertise were critical to our success. We will always be grateful for his invaluable leadership."
Lamping's background includes:
*MetLife Stadium, President and CEO.Lamping reported to a board of directors that included owners of the Giants and Jets. He was responsible for overseeing all facets of stadium development, construction and operation, including business operations, sponsorship sales, marketing, event business, new media and more. He also was a major force in brining Super Bowl XLVIII to MetLife Stadium.
*St. Louis Cardinals, 1994-2008, President.Responsible for business and facility operations, he played a significant role in renovating Busch Stadium, and later led the development and funding of new Busch Stadium, which opened in April 2006. With Lamping as president, the Cardinals drew more than three million fans nine consecutive seasons.
*Anheuser-Busch, 1981-1993.There, he served in a variety of capacities, including brand management. He was the group director of sports marketing during his final five years there, also managing Anheuser-Busch's television and radio production sports division and all domestic and international sports marketing activities, including sponsorship with the Olympics, FIFA World Cup and all North American major professional sports.
"We have the opportunity to revitalize the franchise, and build something special, memorable and hopefully historic for the league, our partners and especially Jaguars fans, who will be central to our mission," he said. "My wife, Cheryl, and I are ready to get started and excited to make Jacksonville our home."
The Cardinals during Lamping's tenure were twice named by United Sports Fans of America as Major League Baseball's most fan-friendly team, in 1999 and 2003. Lamping also served briefly as the Commissioner of the Continental Basketball Association in 1994.
Lamping in St. Louis also served on the board of directors of Habitat for Humanity, St. Louis Cardinals Community Fund and Wings of Hope. He served as the Chairperson for the Make-A-Wish Foundation Golf Classic in 1997, 1998 and 1999, and was the chairperson for Old Newsboys Day for children's charities, the St, Louis Archdiocese Catholic Charities 2000 and 2001 Christmas Appeal and for Pope John Paul's 1999 visit to St. Louis.
Lamping holds a bachelor's of science degree in accounting from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Mo., and a master's degree in business administration from St. Louis University. He also has been inducted into the Vianney High School Hall of Fame.
He and his wife, Cheryl, have three children, Brian, Lauren and Timothy.
