Mets name Lou DePaoli Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer

The New York Mets today named Lou DePaoli to the newly-created position of Executive Vice President & Chief Revenue Officer. DePaoli will be responsible for leading the strategic development and management of all revenue generation for the club and will join the Mets July 22. He comes to the organization from the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he has been Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer since 2008.

"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," said Mets COO Jeff Wilpon, to whom DePaoli will report. "Lou's track record, creativity, and analytic approach will help us better connect with fans and partners and potential fans and partners."

"This is an exciting time to join the Mets," said DePaoli. "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."

Under his leadership over four-plus seasons, the Pirates have seen the fourth largest percent increase in attendance in MLB between 2009 and 2012, and attained the second highest attendance in team history in 2012 including 17 sellouts.   Partnership revenues have grown steadily as well and are on pace to be the highest in team history in 2013.

DePaoli brings to the Mets nearly 20 years of sports marketing experience. Before moving to Pittsburgh, he for more than three years was EVP & Chief Marketing Officer for the Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Thrashers, and Philips Arena. Previously, in five seasons with the NBA, he rose to the position of VP, Team Marketing & Business Development. With the Florida Marlins (1996-2000), he was Director, Ticket Sales, before being promoted to VP, Sales & Marketing. He began his career with the Worcester IceCats (AHL) in their inaugural season in 1994.

DePaoli graduated from the University of Massachusetts, where he earned his B.A., Management of Professional Sports Organizations.

A native of Mt. Kisco, N.Y., Lou and his wife Kathy have two daughters Ryan (26) and Emily (16) and will be relocating to the tristate area.