Katie Pandolfo has been named general manager of Crypto.com Arena, home of the NHL’s LA Kings, the NBA’s LA Lakers and the WNBA’s LA Sparks.
Pandolfo (pictured) most recently served as general manager of Dignity Health Sports Park, home of Major League Soccer team LA Galaxy. In her new role, she will oversee day-to-day operations at Crypto.com Arena and report directly to Dan Beckerman, president and chief executive of parent company AEG.
Pandolfo’s appointment comes after Crypto.com Arena president Lee Zeidman recently announced his retirement after 45 years in the industry. Zeidman has led the arena since it opened as Staples Center in 1999.
James Johnson will step down as chief executive of Football Australia after five and a half years in the role.
Johnson led Football Australia’s successful bid for, and hosting of, the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Football Australia was also awarded hosting rights for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup during his tenure.
Heather Garriock has been named interim chief executive of Football Australia. Johnson will support the organisation and finalise key projects, working alongside the board and Garriock to ensure a smooth transition.
Eduard Dervishaj has been appointed as the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF)’s new head of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the country will co-host alongside Portugal and Spain.
Dervishaj has more than 35 years of experience working in international football across FIFA, UEFA and the Albanian Football Federation, serving as general secretary of the latter between 1992 and 1997. He was named director of the RFEF’s department of institutional relations and international projects in 1997, a role he still holds.
Dervishaj will replace María Tato, who in March stepped down as Spain’s head of the World Cup organising committee amid controversy over the venue selection process for the tournament.
Leicestershire County Cricket Club has announced that Sean Jarvis will step down as chief executive after five years with the club.
Work will be underway in the coming weeks to identify a replacement for Jarvis, who previously worked at Huddersfield Town and Oldham Athletic, and was involved in the launch of the Super League rugby league competition.
Andrew Spencer has been named chief operating officer of AEG Presents Europe.
Spencer will oversee the company’s operational coordination across the region, focusing on strategic alignment and regional growth. He will relocate from Australia to London and report to Adam Wilkes, president and chief executive of AEG Presents Europe and Asia Pacific.
Spencer previously served as chief commercial officer at Australian concert promotion company Frontier Touring.
MLS team New York Red Bulls has named Katie Nahoum as its new chief marketing officer.
Nahoum will oversee all marketing and communications efforts and report directly to club president and general manager Marc de Grandpré. Nahoum has previously worked at KOS, Whisps, Boll & Branch and KIND Snacks.
A-League team Central Coast Mariners has announced Greg Brownlow as the club’s new chief executive.
Brownlow joined the Mariners in January as general manager of operations.
Do you have news of an appointment that we should know about? Get in touch by emailing [email protected] and we’ll include it in our next round-up.
