Delaware North has promoted longtime sports hospitality executive Don Dierig to chief operating officer of Sportservice, placing the Cincinnati resident in charge of day-to-day food, beverage and retail operations across the company's national portfolio of professional sports venues.
In the new role, Dierig will oversee operations at venues affiliated with Major League Baseball, the National Football League, the National Hockey League, the National Basketball Association and Major League Soccer, according to a community announcement.
Dierig brings more than 40 years of experience with Sportservice, Delaware North's sports hospitality division. He spent 15 years as general manager of Great American Ball Park before serving during the past decade
as vice president of operations, where he managed a portfolio of sports and entertainment venues and events across the country.
“Don’s leadership, operational expertise and commitment to our people and partners have made a lasting impact across our business,” said Tom Barney, president of Sportservice. “He has consistently delivered results while helping strengthen some of our most important client relationships. His strategic vision and deep understanding of our business make him exceptionally well suited to help lead Sportservice into the future.”
Longtime executive expands national leadership role
As chief operating officer, Dierig will continue living in Cincinnati while overseeing Delaware North's sports hospitality operations throughout the United States.
“I am honored to take on this new role and continue serving our clients, guests and team members,” Dierig said. “Sportservice has an incredible legacy, and I look forward to working alongside our talented teams across the business as we build on that success.”
Since becoming vice president of operations in 2016, Dierig has overseen Sportservice operations at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Rate Field in Chicago, Progressive Field in Cleveland, Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Nationwide Arena in Columbus and the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
According to the announcement, Dierig also helped secure contract extensions at Great American Ball Park, Progressive Field, Nationwide Arena and the Little League World Series.
This story was produced with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati executive takes top operations role at Sportservice
