Lakers Hire Lon Rosen as Business President
The Los Angeles Lakers have appointed Lon Rosen, formerly with the Los Angeles Dodgers, as the team's new President of Business Operations. The move suggests a renewed focus on business strategy and market positioning for the franchise.
- This move marks a return to the Lakers for Rosen, who began his career as an intern with the team while in college and later served as the director of promotions for the Lakers, Kings, and the Forum from 1980-87. - Rosen has a long-standing professional relationship with Lakers legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson, having started his own sports marketing firm, First Team Marketing, with Johnson as his first client. - His hiring is a significant step in the new ownership's plan to model the Lakers' front office after the Los Angeles Dodgers' successful structure. Both teams are now owned by Mark Walter. - As the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the Dodgers since 2012, Rosen was instrumental in revitalizing the team's brand. Under his leadership, the Dodgers led Major League Baseball in attendance every season since 2013 and saw annual revenue increases. - Rosen is taking over for Tim Harris, who is stepping down as President of Business Operations after more than three decades with the Lakers organization. - He was a key figure in assisting Magic Johnson and the Guggenheim Baseball Management group in their acquisition of the Dodgers. - While with the Dodgers, Rosen was noted for his innovative marketing strategies and ability to connect with a new generation of fans, significantly growing the team's digital presence.
