This week, the New York Jets announced a change in lineup among its front office top leadership.
Senior Vice President and General Counsel Hymie Elhai – who began his professional career as an intern with the Jets – will assume the role of president, while Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Brian Friedman has been named executive vice president and chief operating officer.
Elhai will oversee all team business operations and report to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Christopher Johnson. He takes over for Neil Glat, who it was announced on Aug. 26 will transition into a senior advisor role.
Elhai, who the Jets said is entering his second decade with the organization, will also work with Head Coach Adam Gase and General Manager Joe Douglas to integrate the team’s corporate end with football.
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. – AARON HOUSTON
“[H]e has grown to be an invaluable and trusted confidant for many, including, in recent years, myself,” Johnson said of Elhai in a prepared statement. “Specifically, I witnessed first-hand, his leadership, communication and organizational acumen during our recent head coach and general manager searches. I expect Hymie to be a key unifier, working alongside Adam and Joe, for our organization moving forward.”
Elhai was hired by the Jets in 2002 as the manager of legal affairs and business development. He has served as senior vice president for business affairs and general counsel for five seasons, during which time he oversaw all legal aspects of the team including sponsorship, licensing, events, digital media, production and broadcasting agreements, and all employment-related items. According to the team, over the past recent years Elhai also provided guidance on planning initiatives to football administration.
As executive vice president and COO, Friedman’s operational duties will expand to include revenue generation and business growth opportunities for the team and MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. The Jets said he will continue to oversee the organization’s finances.
Before joining the Jets 11 seasons ago, Friedman served as CFO for Bliss. He was previously senior director of finance for Columbia House Co. and held finance positions at Polo Ralph Lauren.
The Jets are based in Florham Park.
