Pirates Lose CMO to New York Mets
By Tom Smith
The Pittsburgh Pirates lost a key member of the organization recently when the New York Mets announced that Lou DePaoli was named Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer. MLB stated that is was a newly created position within the Mets organization.
DePaoli was with the Bucs since 2008 and now starts the next step in his career with the Mets starting today. From the MLB website:
"“This is an exciting time to join the Mets, there’s a tremendous opportunity to grow and expand our connection to current and future ticket purchasers, fans and partners at a time when the future on field is also very promising.”"
Somebody tell Lou that the Mets skipped Matt Harvey so he could pitch in the All-Star Game. Good luck driving revenue for a Mets team with that mentality.
There were some interesting tidbits in the story including the fact that partnership revenue was on pace to be the highest in team history.
We wish DePaoli the best of luck in New York. It certainly sounds like Mets COO Jeff Wilpon is pumped about hiring DePaoli away from the Bucs.
"“Lou’s vast experience in driving revenues in multiple areas in multiple sports uniquely qualifies him to lead this key position on our senior management team,” Mets COO Jeff Wilpon said in a statement. “Lou’s track record, creativity and analytic approach will help us better connect with fans and partners and potential fans and partners.”"
DePaoli was an interesting hire for the Pirates back in 2008. He came over with experience with the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Thrashers. It’s hard not to see DePaoli snagging a few more talented people from the Pirates to join him in New York.
We haven’t heard who might be landing the vacancy for the Pirates. Let’s trust it’s an internal promotion.