The Red Sox front office dished out some much-deserved promotions Thursday afternoon as Sam Kennedy was promoted to executive vice president/chief operating officer and Jonathan Gilula was named executive vice president/business affairs.
Kennedy, who joined the team in 2002 from the San Diego Padres organization, served as executive vice president/chief sales & marketing officer while Gilula, who also joined in 2002 from the Padres, served as senior vice president/business affairs.
“Sam Kennedy and Jonathan Gilula have track records of leadership and accomplishment, and have earned the confidence of John Henry, Tom Werner, and the team ownership, as well as the members of the front office," said Larry Lucchino, the Red Sox' president and CEO. "Each has demonstrated that rare ability to balance the hectic day-to-day responsibilities of running complex operations with the demands of developing strategies that will ensure the long-term growth of the organization."
“Both also possess traits that are paramount to success in New England baseball," continued Lucchino, "great experience and energy, dedication, deep respect for the history of the franchise, the aura of Fenway Park and the passion of Red Sox Nation.”
Kennedy, who was also named president of Fenway Sports Group, will oversee corporate sponsorship, ticketing, broadcasting, marketing, Fenway Enterprises and client services. Gilula, meanwhile, will oversee ballpark and event operations, fan services, Fenway Park and surrounding real estate activities and spring training/Florida operations.
