Darren O’Donnell
Summary
Darren O’Donnell is a motivated sales and marketing executive with over two decades of experience generating revenue and leading talented teams. He has had measurable success in the growth, development, and profitability of diverse properties in the sports & entertainment industry with experience in hospitality, partnerships, and media.
An enthusiastic executive with the proven ability to grow revenue, Darren inspires others though integrity, the development of authentic relationships, and his value of building a team culture.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President, Business Development
Denver Broncos Football Club
04.2012 - Current
- Member of the business operations leadership team responsible for developing and managing all commercial and media partnerships for the 3x Super Bowl Champion Denver Broncos of the National Football League
- Focus on new business opportunities and development of large-scale agreements that incorporate all marketing and club assets as an individual contributor, team leader, and manager
- Asset development, prospecting, contract negotiation, inventory management, forecasting, business planning, and collaboration with internal and external partners to achieve overall business objectives
- Collaboration with ownership and senior leadership to develop strategic initiatives and long term goals
- Media & sponsorship revenue for the organization has multiplied over 4x since 2012, and the club ranked 5th in the NFL for new business revenue in 2023
Sales Manager, Corporate Partnerships
Sharks Sports & Entertainment / San Jose Sharks LLC
01.2009 - 04.2012
- Duties included securing corporate partners for Sharks Sports & Entertainment, with primary focus on new business development, client retention, and account management for the San Jose Sharks (National Hockey League), SAP Open (ATP World Tour) & HP Pavilion (Arena)
- Other duties included assisting in department management tasks including hiring, budgeting, and asset development
- Key leader and contributor to a team that exceeded 100% of fiscal year revenue goal for four consecutive seasons
- Total individual business under management grew over 20% year over year
Premium Seating Executive
Denver Broncos Football Club / Stadium Management Company
07.2007 - 01.2009
- Duties included developing new business, renewing, and servicing club seat and suite clients for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League
- Specific premium seating inventory included club seats, single game and executive suites for the Denver Broncos and INVESCO Field at Mile High
- Led the premium seating sales team in revenue production over this period
Manager of Sales
The Bonham Group
08.2006 - 05.2007
- Duties included securing new business and sponsorship sales for a marketing agency in the sports & entertainment industry
- New business included sponsorship evaluation/analysis services as well as market research services and consulting
- Sponsorship sales included developing partners for CHAMP CAR auto racing events (Grand Prix of Houston, Grand Prix of Cleveland)
Account Representative, Corporate Partnerships
Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment
06.2003 - 07.2006
- Duties included securing corporate partners for the properties of Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment, including the San Jose Sharks (National Hockey League), the San Jose Stealth (National Lacrosse League), the Miller Lite Fight Night at the Tank (boxing) series, the SAP Open (ATP World Tour), and the San Jose Grand Prix (CHAMP CAR)
Education
MBA - International Business
Golden Gate University
San Francisco, CA05.2003
B.S. - General Business / Entrepreneurship
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO05.2000
Skills
- Consulting
- Staff Development
- Hospitality & Premium Seating
- Contract Negotiation
- Strategic Planning
- Management
- Media
- Partnerships
- Data Analytics
- Team Leadership
Interests & Volunteer Work
- DEI Subcommittee Denver Broncos Football Club, Diversity ‘Champions Group’ (current)
- Youth ice hockey and flag football coach, 2018-2022
- Board Member, Denver Chapter American Cancer Society, 2017-2020
- Watch D.O.G.S., St. Mary Catholic School, 2015-2022
- Colorado State University Athletic Director Search Committee, 2014
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Bay, Young Professionals Committee, 2011-2012
- San Jose Sharks Foundation Grant Committee, 2009-2012
- Member of NCAA Division I Golf Team, Colorado State University, 1998-2000
- Member of NJCAA Division II National Champion Golf Team, Tyler (TX) Junior College, 1996-1998
Timeline
Vice President, Business Development
Denver Broncos Football Club
04.2012 - Current
Sales Manager, Corporate Partnerships
Sharks Sports & Entertainment / San Jose Sharks LLC
01.2009 - 04.2012
Premium Seating Executive
Denver Broncos Football Club / Stadium Management Company
07.2007 - 01.2009
Manager of Sales
The Bonham Group
08.2006 - 05.2007
Account Representative, Corporate Partnerships
Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment
06.2003 - 07.2006
MBA - International Business
Golden Gate University
B.S. - General Business / Entrepreneurship
Colorado State University
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