Molly Jolly to succeed John Carpino as Angels president
TEMPE, Ariz. -- The Angels are set to promote Molly Jolly as their next club president, as longtime executive John Carpino is retiring from his position as president, the club announced on Friday.
It’s a historic hire for the Angels, as Jolly will become the ninth president and the first woman named to the position in franchise history. She is entering her 26th year with the organization and is currently the senior vice president of finance and administration. She’ll start her new role on April 6, while Carpino will remain in the organization for an extended period to help with the transition, as he’s been club president since 2009.
Jolly is believed to be the only woman in Major League Baseball to oversee both the business and baseball departments, although general manager Perry Minasian still makes the decisions regarding the roster.
“John has been one of the cornerstones of the organization for over two decades,” said Angels owner Arte Moreno in a statement. “His impact goes beyond the field, shepherding this organization through historic growth with an unwavering dedication to our fans, employees and our players. As we begin our 66th season, Molly’s deep experience in all aspects of the organization, and her passion for our community and team make her the perfect leader in our next chapter of Angels baseball.”
As club president, Jolly will oversee day-to-day operations, including strategic direction, marketing, communications, administration, facility management, revenue and overall business strategy. In her previous role, she oversaw all financial operations and office administration, including legal, risk management, human resources and information services.
“I would like to thank Arte and Carole Moreno for their trust, and to John Carpino for his mentorship and visionary leadership,” said Jolly in a statement. “I believe in the power of sports to unite, inspire and create a lasting impact. I care deeply about this team, our players and the community that supports us, and it is an honor to lead the Angels forward. My commitment is to help guide this team toward a successful future, strengthen our brand and our community partnerships.”
Jolly is already deeply entrenched in the organization and is treasurer and secretary of the Angels Baseball Foundation, while also serving on several committees and boards in Orange County to help the local community. A graduate of the College of Holy Cross with an MBA at UCLA, Jolly previously worked three years at the Walt Disney Company, where she served as Director of Finance for both the Angels and the Anaheim Ducks. She became the highest-ranking woman in the organization in just her third year.
She replaces Carpino, who has been with the organization for over 22 years, including serving as club president since 2009. Carpino, 66, is a University of Arizona graduate like Moreno and worked for Moreno’s billboard company before he purchased the Angels in 2003. Carpino soon joined the Angels and helped usher in a successful beginning to Moreno’s ownership.
The Angels reached the postseason in 2004 and ’05 and then three straight years from 2007-09. Carpino also helped bring the World Baseball Classic to Angel Stadium in ‘06 and the All-Star Game to Angel Stadium in ‘10. He also played roles in securing long-term contracts for Angels stars such as Albert Pujols, Jered Weaver and Mike Trout.
“It has been an honor and privilege to spend over 22 years working for the Angels organization,” said Carpino. “The teams, the fans, the employees and our community have meant so much to me, and I will forever cherish the memories made along the way. I want to thank Arte and Carole Moreno for their trust, support and leadership over the course of my professional career. I am also excited for the future of Angels Baseball under Molly’s stewardship. Molly has long been a trusted voice and a steady presence for the entire organization. She is a remarkable leader with vision and integrity and a deep love for our game. She is the perfect person to guide the Angels into a new era of success.”
Carpino had the longest tenure of any Angels president with 16 years at the helm. But after their initial success on the field under Carpino, the Angels last made the postseason in 2014.
Carpino, though, always placed a priority on fan experience and fan value, and Angel Stadium underwent more than $70 million in renovations during his leadership. This offseason, the Diamond Club was upgraded and the parking lots were repaved.
Carpino has also been instrumental as the Angels continue to work on the details for their upcoming television deal, which is expected to be announced in the coming days.
“John Carpino has been a loyal advocate of the Angels for more than two decades, including as the club’s president since 2009,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “We appreciate all of his relationships and contributions to our industry. John has been devoted to the Angels’ brand and the fan experience at Angel Stadium, and led the team’s efforts for a successful All-Star Game and World Baseball Classic. I congratulate John as he reaches his next chapter and wish Molly all the best as the new president of the Angels.”