Red Bulls expand executive leadership team

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The New York Red Bulls announced several moves Sept. 12 marking the expansion of its executive leadership team.

“As our organization continues to evolve, we remain eager to learn, grow and get better working alongside such a talented group of leaders and executives,” said Marc de Grandpré, New York Red Bulls president and general manager, in a press release. “Together, we will continue to drive progress and elevate our club and infrastructure.”

The promotion and new hires announced Tuesday are:

• Joe Stetson has been named chief commercial officer, overseeing commercial business including sponsorship/premium sales and services, ticketing sales, service and operations, and Red Bull Youth Programs. Stetson has been with the club since 2014 and most recently served as chief marketing and revenue officer.
• Elisa Padilla joins the club as chief marketing officer – bringing two decades of experience in sports and entertainment brand marketing to the role in which she will oversee the club’s marketing and communications.
• Christina Giunta-Quarino has been named chief of staff, returning to the Red Bulls after 16 years of prior experience in a variety of roles. As chief of staff, she will provide the executive leadership team strategic and operational support across the entire organization.
• Claire Noonan joins the club as head of human resources, bringing 15 years of experience with talent planning, recruitment, employee relations, leadership coaching, business planning and community building.

Each will report directly to de Grandpré.

“Through the additions of Christina, Claire, and Elisa, along with Joe assuming this new role, I am confident we are set up for long-term success,” said de Grandpré.

The announcement comes on the heels of an exciting few months for the Red Bulls and Major League Soccer (MLS) more broadly – headlined by superstar Lionel Messi’s arrival in the league and his recent appearance at Red Bull Arena in Harrison.

“With the current momentum behind our league and the expectations we have for our club moving forward, it’s imperative that we attract, recruit, and develop the best talent out there,” de Grandpré added.

The rest of the executive leadership team includes: Jochen Schneider, head of sport; Kari Cohen, general counsel; Denis Hamlett, sporting director; Shaun Oliver, vice president, Operations, and general manager, Red Bull Arena; Logan Smith, head of strategy & analytics; and Luis Garcia Vazquez, chief financial officer.

The Red Bulls also announced that Deborah Melnick – senior director of human resources – will retire at the end of 2023 after eight years with the club.