Arthur Blank’s sports organization has hired a former Mercedes-Benz USA executive as senior vice president and chief operating officer to oversee the stadium that bears the automaker’s name.
Dietmar Exler will oversee fan experience, the food-and-beverage program, private events and tours at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Blank organization announced Tuesday. He also will oversee security and retail across the Blank sports properties.
Exler most recently was president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA. His predecessor in that job, Steve Cannon, has been CEO of AMB Group, the parent company of the Falcons, Atlanta United and the stadium, since 2016.
Cannon said in a statement that Exler “will challenge us to consistently elevate and build upon our best-in-class fan experience.”
Exler will begin his new job in July and will report to Rich McKay, president of the Falcons and of AMB Sports & Entertainment.
The Blank sports organization also announced changes in roles for two other executives. Executive vice president Greg Beadles, who had been chief operating officer and interim chief financial officer, becomes chief administrative and financial officer. Vice president Morgan Shaw Parker becomes chief marketing officer.
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