Michael T. Lehr
New York,,New York
Summary
A dynamic executive with a strong emphasis on leadership, relationship building, creativity, marketing, and deal-making. I bring a unique blend of skills designed to drive revenue growth and ensure exceptional customer focus. My ability to foster a positive company culture, coupled with strategic thinking and negotiation prowess, enables me to navigate complex challenges and deliver innovative solutions. My interpersonal skills, problem-solving capabilities, self-awareness, and confidence empower me to lead effectively and inspire teams to achieve their best. I am committed to creating and sustaining value for my clients through a holistic approach that combines business acumen with a genuine dedication to customer satisfaction.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Independent Business Development & Strategic Advisor
Executive Project Management
New York, NY
01.2024 - Current
- Partner with organizations seeking to drive growth through strategic planning, business development, and comprehensive marketing brand positioning
- Specialize in crafting tailored roadmaps for revenue generation, client retention, business expansion, and client management
- Approach includes innovative solutions and fostering strong relationships, with a focus on optimizing organizational structure and cultivating a positive culture to maximize ROI
- Project Partners include the New York Islanders Hockey Club, UBS Arena, Utica Comets, Mohawk Productions, 2024 IIHF World Woman’s Hockey Championships, Maroon PR, C-Tek Multicasting, Grassroots Baseball, Reliefta Health Solutions, 2024 Premier League USA Friendly Stateside Cup Series.
Senior Vice President, Head of Partnership Strategy, Sales & Management
The Madison Square Garden Company
New York, NY
09.2013 - 12.2023
- Managed the sales team responsible for over $200 million in annual Partnership and Signage revenue as part of a $450 million overall Marketing Partnerships budget. Annual revenue numbers consistently over 110% to plan.
- Built partnerships, strategic marketing, revenue planning, and P&L management for 200 partners across MSG Sports and Entertainment Properties and Moynihan Train Hall.
- Achieved a double-digit increase in AOI year over year, culminating in a 300% growth over 10 years.
- Partner Renewal rate over 90% & upsells over $5M annually.
- Led strategy, development, and negotiations for a multiyear, multimillion-dollar Marketing Partnership deals. Included the MSG Marquee Partnership extension with Chase and Signature Partnerships with Lexus, KIA, AB InBev, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, Verizon, Spectrum, Squarespace, Hub, and Coinbase.
- Negotiated new major seven-figure agreements with Dunkin, Jägermeister, Benjamin Moore, CDW, Socios, One Medical, Montefiore Medical, Northwell Health, QVC, NYSE, FanDuel, and Bet365 across all MSG properties, totaling over $130 million Increased new partnership base by 10% year over year
- Collaborated with marketing partners to develop customized marketing, content, and digital strategies across MSG's diverse platforms and properties.
- Developed sales strategies and built brand equity, successfully delivering increased value and returns for MSG's Marketing Partners.
EVP Business & President/CEO Sharks Minor Holdings
Sharks Sports & Entertainment/San Jose Sharks NHL
San Jose, California
07.2001 - 07.2013
- Member of a six-person Senior Executive team responsible for daily operations of SSE & the Sharks NHL franchise, including direct management of properties including Sharks Minor League Holdings (AHL franchise and China Sharks in the Asian Hockey League), Sharks merchandise (Top 5 in NHL), ATP and WTA tennis sanctions, and the Racquet Club of Memphis
- Spearheaded initiatives in Naming Rights, Sharks NHL TV rights, venue leases, sponsorship sales, premium suites, licensing, and other revenue-generating projects across the US, Europe, and Asia.
Managing Partner & Co-Founder
Power Plant Studios
Baltimore, MD & New York
02.2000 - 07.2001
- Directed strategic planning, business development, web and TV production, marketing, sales, PR, events, contract negotiations, and revenue generation for MLB, NFL, and Cal Ripken Baseball.
Vice President, Marketing, Sales & Broadcasting
Baltimore Orioles Baseball Club
Baltimore, Maryland
05.1996 - 02.2000
- Oversaw all aspects of the team’s marketing, broadcasting, corporate sales, advertising, promotions, publishing, premium seating, private suites, ticket sales, spring training, ballpark entertainment, merchandise, licensing, scheduling, internet, and fantasy camp operations
- Negotiated RSN, broadcast television, and radio agreements that doubled media revenue
- Re-structured Corporate Marketing and Sales, resulting in more than double the revenue and securing long-term media and sponsorship deals worth over $250 million over 10 years
- Managed areas generating combined annual revenues of over $110 million
- Developed strategic marketing and advertising plans that set all-time Orioles ticket sales records and enhanced brand and fan experience.
Director, Broadcasting & Ballpark Entertainment
Cleveland Indians Baseball Club
Cleveland, Ohio
11.1992 - 05.1996
- Developed new revenue streams for the Club by negotiating and managing television and radio contracts, boosting annual revenue by over $15 million through media rights deals, in-house sales, and video projects
- Created revenue-generating programming for TV and radio, unified the brand across multiple platforms, and fostered strong relationships with rights holders
- Established the Indians Radio Network, including format, distribution, and talent integration
- Oversaw all retail video projects, ballpark entertainment, and team branding, including final design and construction.
Regional Director, Programming & Network Operations / Executive Producer
Cablevision / SportsChannel
Chicago, IL & Cleveland, Cincinnati, Ohio
11.1984 - 11.1992
- Managed programming, production, on-air promotions, contracts, and network operations for two regional sports networks covering seven states
- As Assistant GM, negotiated pro, college, and high school rights contracts, including for two MLB teams (Indians and Reds) and two NBA teams (Cavaliers and Pacers)
- Led strategic planning for both networks and served as Producer/Director for SportsChannel-Chicago.
Education
Bachelor of Arts – Double Major in Communication Arts & Political Science -
UNIVERSITY of WISCONSIN
Timeline
Independent Business Development & Strategic Advisor
Executive Project Management
01.2024 - Current
Senior Vice President, Head of Partnership Strategy, Sales & Management
The Madison Square Garden Company
09.2013 - 12.2023
EVP Business & President/CEO Sharks Minor Holdings
Sharks Sports & Entertainment/San Jose Sharks NHL
07.2001 - 07.2013
Managing Partner & Co-Founder
Power Plant Studios
02.2000 - 07.2001
Vice President, Marketing, Sales & Broadcasting
Baltimore Orioles Baseball Club
05.1996 - 02.2000
Director, Broadcasting & Ballpark Entertainment
Cleveland Indians Baseball Club
11.1992 - 05.1996
Regional Director, Programming & Network Operations / Executive Producer
Cablevision / SportsChannel
11.1984 - 11.1992
Bachelor of Arts – Double Major in Communication Arts & Political Science -
UNIVERSITY of WISCONSIN
Similar Profiles
Amit VermaAmit Verma
Software Intern at DRDO Project Executive Lab,Techno India UniversitySoftware Intern at DRDO Project Executive Lab,Techno India University
Nadimpalli JahnaviNadimpalli Jahnavi
Cognizant at Project ExecutiveCognizant at Project Executive
S. VINOTHKUMARS. VINOTHKUMAR
Procurement Executive at Project Development ExecutiveProcurement Executive at Project Development Executive
Alexandra HortonAlexandra Horton
Live-Out Nanny at The Saperstein FamilyLive-Out Nanny at The Saperstein Family
Jennifer MayaJennifer Maya
Portfolio Property Manager at Manhattan Skyline Management CorpPortfolio Property Manager at Manhattan Skyline Management Corp