MetLife Stadium Announces Executive Leadership Changes
East Rutherford, N.J. – MetLife Stadium, home of the New York Jets and New York Giants, announced today that Ron VanDeVeen will transition to a new role after a stellar ten year run as the venue’s President and Chief Executive Officer. VanDeVeen will assume the newly created position of Chief Programming Officer, while Mark Stefanacci will be elevated from his current role of Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer. All changes are effective September 1, 2026.
In his new role VanDeVeen will continue to serve as the primary booking agent for MetLife Stadium, which annually hosts two NFL teams, global concert tours, international soccer events, family entertainment, college and high school football, and more on the world’s biggest stage set in the country’s largest DMA. Most recently the stadium hosted eight matches of the 2026 FIFA World CupTM, including the Final on July 19th. MetLife Stadium marked the highest total attendance for any World Cup venue across the tournament, with 645,186 fans attending the eight matches.
VanDeVeen was instrumental in securing the World Cup, an effort that spanned nearly the entire tenure of his presidency and seeing it through to the July 19th Final is a fitting capstone for this chapter of his career. Named the Highest Grossing Stadium in the World consistently since the building opened in in 2010, VanDeVeen led the charge to bring other major events to MetLife Stadium, including Super Bowl XLVIII, Copa America Centenario, WrestleMania 29 and 35, NHL Stadium Series, Supercross, Army/Navy Game, The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Chesney and countless others.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to lead MetLife Stadium over the past ten years,” said VanDeVeen. “I’m grateful to the Mara, Tisch, and Johnson families for the opportunity to be a part of their history. I have made countless memories, cultivated relationships that will last a lifetime, and witnessed some of the most incredible events in history. The greatest privilege, however, was that of collaborating with the best professionals in the business. The staff of MetLife Stadium is truly inimitable, and I’m especially proud to pass the baton to Mark Stefanacci, who has been a key member of my staff throughout my tenure. He will do an excellent job leading the team and the venue into the next chapter.”
VanDeVeen began his career with the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) as a Cleaning Supervisor, advancing through the organization with roles in Stadium Operations, Bookings, College Athletics, and Corporate Sales. He spent 19 years at the NJSEA, ultimately serving as VP and General Manager for Giants Stadium and the IZOD Center before joining New Meadowlands Stadium Company, LLC (MetLife Stadium) as the SVP of Events and Guest Experiences in 2009. He was named President and CEO in April 2016. In 2025, VanDeVeen was inducted into the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (IIFX) Hall of Fame, and the same year he was honored with the Meadowlands (NJ) Chamber Award. Most recently he was named a 2026 VenuesNow All-Star.
“Ron’s leadership and guidance have been central to MetLife Stadium’s success, helping make it a benchmark for excellence across sports, entertainment, and live events,” said John Mara, President and CEO of the New York Giants. “We are grateful that he will continue to serve as Chief Programming Officer and help guide the stadium’s future. As we celebrate Ron’s outstanding career and contributions, we are also pleased to welcome Mark Stefanacci as President & CEO. Mark is a highly respected leader whose experience and commitment make him the right person to lead the organization into its next chapter.”
"Ron has been the driving force behind MetLife Stadium's rise as the world's premier sports and entertainment destination, and his remarkable vision, dedication, and leadership have left an indelible mark,” said Woody Johnson, Chairman and CEO of the New York Jets. “We are thrilled that he will remain closely involved and continue guiding us in this new capacity. At the same time, we are excited to elevate Mark Stefanacci to President and CEO. Mark has earned the deep trust and admiration of colleagues and partners alike and look forward to seeing him build on this foundation and carry MetLife Stadium to new heights.”
Mark Stefanacci has been an integral member of the MetLife Stadium team since 2012, most recently as Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel. He previously spent 14 years with the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, where he oversaw all legal matters and agreements for Giants Stadium, the IZOD Center, and the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park Racetracks while serving as Chief Operating Officer and Legal Counsel. He was also instrumental in the negotiations and drafting of the Ground Lease for MetLife Stadium.
In his most recent role at MetLife Stadium, Stefanacci was responsible for major event agreements, stadium advertising and sponsorship agreements, collective bargaining agreements, stadium operations agreements, and all services agreements. In addition to the Legal Department, he oversaw Stadium and Site Operations, as well as Human Resources and Labor Relations. He was a member of the Working Group Executive Committee in preparation for Super Bowl XLVII where he chaired the Government Relations Committee and was instrumental in negotiations to bring the 2026 FIFA World CupTM to the stadium.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead MetLife Stadium into its next chapter and recognize that I am following a legend,” stated Stefanacci. “There is only one Ron VanDeVeen, fortunately, I will be able to continue to work with Ron along with the best staff in the stadium business, and I’m looking forward to a seamless transition. Thank you to the Johnson, Mara, and Tisch families for their support throughout the process.”
Stefanacci received a bachelor’s in arts from Providence College and a law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law.