Robinson leaving Sports Authority for job with Formula One

Dennis R. Robinson announced Friday he is stepping down from his position as president and CEO of the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority effective Jan. 2, 2012, to become chief operations officer of the Grand Prix of America, bringing Formula One racing to West New York and Weehawken in 2013.

Dennis R. Robinson announced Friday he is stepping down from his position as president and CEO of the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority effective Jan. 2, 2012, to become chief operations officer of the Grand Prix of America, bringing Formula One racing to West New York and Weehawken in 2013.

Robinson has served as CEO of the sports authority since December 2007, a period of significant restructuring of the authority’s mission, business lines and payroll, which he oversaw, according to a press release sent late Friday afternoon.

“Dennis Robinson served the sports authority and the state with distinction during his tenure at the NJSEA. His leadership and management were a critical part of implementing the recommendations of the Hanson Commission as we move toward a self-sustaining, economically viable sports industry and a redefined role for the NJSEA,” said Gov. Chris Christie in the release.

“Dennis’ tenure showed extremely skilled leadership in difficult times as he dramatically reduced costs and payroll in the face of economic challenges. While reducing staffing over 40 percent, he maintained outstanding employee performance across our business lines, negotiated the contracts that led to the NJSEA providing services to MetLife Stadium, the IZOD Haskell Invitational sponsorship, and was critical in bringing about the highly successful Elite Meet at Monmouth Park in 2010,” NJSEA Chairman Mike Ferguson said in the release.

The NJSEA under Mr. Robinson facilitated the transition of the American Dream Meadowlands project to Triple Five and assisted in the successful bid to host the 2014 Super Bowl.

The CEO of the NJSEA leads the independent state authority that operates IZOD Center, Meadowlands Racetrack, Monmouth Park Racetrack, oversees the Wildwoods Convention Center and provides major support services for MetLife Stadium and the American Dream Meadowlands project. Robinson served in senior management positions at the NJSEA from 1990 to 1997. From 1999 to 2007, Robinson was senior vice president – Business and League Operations of the National Basketball Association, according to the release.