CLEVELAND, OH (92.3 The Fan) – In October 2004 David Jenkins started out as a financial and business analyst for the Cleveland Browns.
Some 22 seasons later, Jenkins was named president of Haslam Sports Group on Thursday after serving seven years as an executive vice president and chief operating officer for the ownership group of the Browns.
“I’m honored and humbled to serve in the role of President for the Haslam Sports Group,” Jenkins said. “Dee, Jimmy, Whitney and JW have been tremendous leaders who have invested in our employees and our community and I’m grateful for their trust and the opportunity they’ve afforded me to lead HSG. We will continue to expand our efforts and prioritize our fans, our community and winning and I’m thrilled for what’s ahead for this organization in Northeast Ohio, Central Ohio, Milwaukee and beyond.”
Jenkins played a key role in the founding and creation of Haslam Sports Group in 2020 as well as assisted the Haslam family in saving the Columbus Crew by helping them create a local ownership group for the Major League Soccer club that has since gone on to win two MLS Cup championships.
Jenkins also played a key role in Haslam Sports Group’s acquisition of a 25% stake in the Milwaukee Bucks, which was approved by the NBA’s board of governors in 2023.
“Dave has done a remarkable job steering and growing our business across Haslam Sports
Group. He has assembled an outstanding results-oriented executive team that pushes each other while also working extremely well together,” said Managing and Principal Partners Dee and Jimmy Haslam. “We couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this role, as he has been a dedicated and loyal teammate and we are incredibly lucky to have him continue leading our organization.”
Jenkins previously served as the Browns’ director of finance, vice president of finance, senior vice president of finance and administration, and chief financial officer. In 2007, Jenkins was the team’s representative at the National Football League’s management training program at Stanford University and was a participant in the Leadership Cleveland Class of 2009.
After working behind the scenes for nearly two decades, Jenkins’ found himself in the spotlight over the last two years while spearheading two massive projects – a $150-$175 million expansion of the team’s headquarters in Berea, Ohio to be completed in 2027 and a $3.2 billion enclosed stadium and development to be built in Brook Park off Snow and Engle Roads to open in 2029.
Jenkins’ responsibilities continue to span the entire organization as he remains charged with vetting Haslam Sports Group’s investments and strategies.
Haslam Sports Group’s current portfolio includes the Cleveland Browns, operating rights to the Columbus Crew, a controlling interest in the Milwaukee Bucks and current investments in the WNBA, Misfits Gaming Group, StatusPro, Jackpot.com, Wicket, ChargeFUZE, ManCan, Adelphi Bank, Aston Martin Racing, Courtside VC, TMRW Sports, Homage, and Dude Perfect.
Jenkins, who is on Baldwin Wallace University’s Board of Trustees, is a member of the board of directors for the Cleveland Browns Foundation, the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, and Cleveland Development Advisors, and previously contributed as a board member of the MetroHealth Foundation, Cuyahoga Community College Foundation, Achievement Centers for Children, Greater Cleveland Food Bank, the Berea Chamber of Commerce and Lakewood Catholic Academy.
While with the Browns, Jenkins has also served as an adjunct professor at his alma mater, Baldwin Wallace University, where he taught sports industry finance class.