Erik Greupner
Chief Executive Officer
Erik Greupner was promoted to his current post of chief executive officer in January 2021. Greupner oversees the Padres’ business operations and leads the growth and development of the club’s business and culture. 2024 marks his 14th season in San Diego after joining the club in December 2010. During his tenure as CEO, the Padres have consistently ranked in the top five among all Major League Baseball clubs in attendance, including ranking second in 2023 while setting Padres all-time franchise records in attendance, season ticket sales, and every local revenue category. Under his leadership, the Padres became the first MLB club to secure a jersey patch partner, have significantly grown its fundraising and positive impact in the San Diego and Baja community through the Padres Foundation, and have meticulously maintained and improved Petco Park while retaining the continuous ranking as USA Today’s No. 1 Ballpark in MLB.
Prior to assuming the role of CEO, Greupner served as president of business operations from December 2018 through December 2020 and chief operating officer from November 2016 to November 2018. While serving in those posts, he guided the club through the COVID-19 pandemic, led the club’s successful effort to secure the development rights for a transformational multi-use real estate project on Tailgate Lot, and oversaw the team’s business operations, including all revenue generation. During this time, the Padres set sponsorship, group ticketing, single game, opening series and non-baseball event revenue and attendance records. The Padres also positively impacted the San Diego community through supporting racial justice efforts and frontline workers during the pandemic, including launching California’s first COVID-19 super vaccination site at Petco Park.
Greupner served in various roles for the Padres from December 2010 to November 2016. Over this period, he led the lobbying efforts and negotiations that resulted in the Padres amending its lease with the City of San Diego to significantly increase the number of non-baseball events at Petco Park and create a positive economic impact on the City. Greupner also led the negotiations of a new long-term lease and construction of the Padres’ Spring Training facility and renovated stadium in Peoria, Ariz. Finally, Greupner’s efforts were instrumental in securing the 2016 MLB All-Star Game in San Diego.
Prior to joining the Padres, Greupner worked as a corporate and transactional attorney with the international law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. While at Gibson Dunn, he advised senior management of public and private companies in general corporate matters, acquirers and targets in mergers and acquisitions transactions, and institutional investors and fund sponsors in the formation and operation of private investment funds.
Prior to his time with Gibson Dunn, Greupner worked in sales management roles with Goldman Sachs & Company and Scudder Weisel Capital, LLC.
Greupner earned his Juris Doctor degree magna cum laude from the University of San Diego School of Law, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif. He served as a judicial intern for the Honorable M. Margaret McKeown, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.
A native of Minneapolis, Minn., Greupner graduated cum laude from Wheaton College, Illinois with a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy and communications. During his four years at Wheaton, Greupner was a defensive back and receiver for the Thunder football team. He currently serves on the board of trustees of the Rady Children’s Hospital Foundation, and the President’s Working Group of the Business and Media Board. He has also served on MLB’s International Committee. He and his wife, Laura, have a son and two daughters.