Mark Donovan Named Chiefs Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer
May 21, 2009, 9:22:23 AM
http://www.kcchiefs.com/media/images...06651412690504The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Thursday that Mark Donovan has been named the club’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Donovan spent the past six seasons as the Senior Vice President of Business Operations for the Philadelphia Eagles. Donovan will report to Chiefs President Denny Thum in directing the club’s business operations.
“We are very excited to have Mark join our executive team,” said Chairman Clark Hunt in making the announcement. “Mark’s track record of success in the business of the NFL has earned the respect and praise of the entire league.”
“Mark will be a great asset to the Kansas City Chiefs as we make the transition to the New Arrowhead,” Thum added. “We are very fortunate to add his business acumen and expertise to the Chiefs organization.”
In his role with the Eagles, Donovan led the club’s efforts in sponsorship sales and services, television and radio production, retail operations, event acquisition and ticket sales, as well as new media strategy. He also directed premium sales and customer service. Prior to joining the Eagles, Donovan was the NFL’s Senior Director of Sales and Marketing where he played an active role in developing new revenue for the league. He got his start on the sports business side of operations as Director of Sales and Marketing for the National Hockey League.
“I want to thank Clark Hunt and the Hunt Family for giving me this opportunity to expand my responsibilities and experience base at a critical time for the franchise,” Donovan remarked. “I look forward to being part of the next chapter in Chiefs history.”
Donovan’s tenure with Philadelphia saw the franchise gain several prestigious awards. In 2007, Forbes magazine, in calculating the brand value of the 122 professional sports teams, named the Eagles as the “fastest growing brand” in the NFL. Under his direction, The Eagles Television Network won 32 Emmys and 53 Telly Awards, while the team earned 11 Addys, including Best Television Campaign. In 2005, Donovan was honored as a recipient of the
Sports Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” awards, which honors the 40 most influential sports executives under the age of 40.
The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native is a graduate of Brown University, where he quarterbacked the football team and was elected team captain.
