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Josh Harris

Josh is the Founder and Managing General Partner of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE). In connection with the HBSE portfolio, he is the Managing Partner of the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Jersey Devils. Under his leadership, the HBSE platform has grown to include Top-10 venue, the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., the $86 million mixed-use Training Complex in Camden, NJ, two minor league teams, renowned esports franchise Dignitas, the Sixers Innovation Lab and HBSEv, a venture fund investing in early stage sports technology companies, among other franchises. Additionally, Josh is a General Partner of the Crystal Palace Football Club in the Premier League and a minority owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL.

Passionate about strengthening the communities in which the teams operate, Josh, in connection with the Sixers Youth Foundation and Devils Care Foundation, supports Newark, Camden and Philadelphia by partnering with local hospitals, youth centers, schools and food distribution centers for civic growth and relief.

Outside of HBSE, Harris runs Apollo Global Management, which he founded with two partners in 1990. Under their leadership, Apollo has become the second-largest alternatives and largest alternative credit manager, lending to and investing in small-to-mid-sized businesses and managing over $350 billion in assets on behalf of pension funds for teachers and public servants, insurance companies and more. Harris is responsible for some of the firm’s most successful private equity investments, including the historic LyondellBasell transaction, and today manages the day-to-day business of the firm.

Additionally, Josh and his wife, Marjorie, founded Harris Philanthropies, to advocate for youth and community development through equitable and inclusive investing in sports, enhanced wellness and education. Across their charitable platform, they have become one of the largest supporters of after-school sports programs, helping 15,000 youth annually within Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York.

Josh serves on the Boards of Mount Sinai Medical Center, Harvard Business School, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, the NBA, and the NHL. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, where he was named a Baker Loeb Scholar, and graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business with a B.S. in Economics.

Josh and Marjorie have been married for 25 years and live in New York City with their five children. A former college wrestler, Josh remains an active athlete, competing in numerous marathons and triathlons.

News

HARRIS BLITZER SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT APPOINTS JAKE REYNOLDS PRESIDENT OF NEW JERSEY DEVILS

NEWARK, NJ — SEPT 19, 2019 - Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) announced today it has appointed Jake Reynolds to President of the New Jersey Devils. In his newly expanded role, which is effective immediately, Reynolds will oversee all business, revenue, strategy and operations for the Devils. Previously, Reynolds, who will be based in Newark, was Chief Revenue Officer for HBSE. He will work alongside Ray Shero, Devils Executive Vice President/General Manager, in re-building the three-time Stanley Cup-winning franchise.

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PRESS RELEASE

HARRIS BLITZER SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT APPOINTS JAKE REYNOLDS PRESIDENT OF NEW JERSEY DEVILS

HUGH WEBER ASSUMES ELEVATED ROLE AS PRESIDENT OF HBSE

NEWARK, NJ — SEPT 19, 2019 – JHarris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) announced today it has appointed Jake Reynolds to President of the New Jersey Devils. In his newly expanded role, which is effective immediately, Reynolds will oversee all business, revenue, strategy and operations for the Devils. Previously, Reynolds, who will be based in Newark, was Chief Revenue Officer for HBSE. He will work alongside Ray Shero, Devils Executive Vice President/General Manager, in re-building the three-time Stanley Cup-winning franchise.

Hugh Weber will assume an elevated leadership role within HBSE. Weber has served as President of the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center since the organization acquired the franchise and arena in August 2013. As HBSE approaches its two-year anniversary, Weber will play an integral role in positioning the structure of the organization for its next phase of growth. Reynolds and Chris Heck, President of the Philadelphia 76ers, will report directly to Weber.

“Given the continued expansion of our organization, this was an opportune time to lift two incredible and deserving executives into bigger and wider roles. Both Jake and Hugh are tremendous leaders possessing a wide array of experience and expertise across the sports and entertainment ecosystem,” said Scott O’Neil, CEO of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. “This plan empowers a world class executive in Hugh Weber to focus on the continued exponential growth of our core business, while Jake Reynolds brings his signature expertise in culture building and laser-focus on innovation to drive our business forward with the greatest upside.”

During his seven years as a senior executive with HBSE’s marquee franchise properties, the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia 76ers, Reynolds established himself as an industry leader in sales, corporate culture and innovation in front office analytics. As CRO of HBSE, Reynolds spearheaded fan-first, brand and front office initiatives that drove ground-breaking revenue streams and drastically improved fan and community engagement for both the Devils and 76ers. Under Reynolds’ leadership, the 76ers achieved league-leading positions in all metrics related to customer service, ticket sales and season ticket member growth and retention; notably breaking all-time franchise records in fan attendance and ticket sales during the 2018-19 season. Reynolds has been a key architect in some of HBSE’s most innovative initiatives, including the 76ers and StubHub’s groundbreaking ticketing platform, the first in the live event industry, to provide consumers access to primary and secondary tickets on a unified, blended platform.

Prior to his roles with HBSE, Reynolds held a senior management position with Monumental Sports & Entertainment, where he oversaw sales and retention efforts for the Washington Wizards, Washington Capitals, Washington Mystics, and Georgetown Men’s Basketball.

“Following one of the most dynamic summers in the NHL, it is an honor and I am incredibly excited to lead the front office for such a historic and iconic brand as the New Jersey Devils,” said Reynolds. “As an organization, we are committed to building a fan-first culture and generating a best-in-class experience that produces the greatest home-ice advantage in the NHL and brings a fourth Stanley Cup back to New Jersey. I’m excited for our fans and entire organization as we prepare to drop the puck on one of the most anticipated seasons in recent franchise history.”

A 15-year NBA and NHL Team President, Weber had an immediate and invigorating impact on the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center’s business, culture and community investment when he assumed the role of President in August 2013. Both O’Neil and Weber were key architects in designing HBSE’s original corporate structure, while aligning and positioning the portfolio of global sports and entertainment properties for future expansion. Through Weber’s signature leadership style, the organizations he oversees have made a commitment to be agents of change in the communities where they live, work and play. Notably, prior to his role with HBSE, Weber received significant industry recognition while serving as President of the New Orleans Hornets during a seven-year period marked by Hurricane Katrina. Through Weber’s efforts and despite devastating economic instability, the team achieved record-setting ticket and sponsorship sales and was recognized as a community pillar in the region’s resurgence.

JOSH HARRIS AND DAVID BLITZER ANNOUNCE FORMATION OF HARRIS BLITZER SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

HBSE CREATES PLATFORM FOR ACCELERATED GROWTH FORMATION ALSO INTENSIFIES EXPLORATION OF STRATEGIC INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Sept. 25, 2017 – Josh Harris and David Blitzer announced today the formation of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), which will include in its portfolio the Philadelphia 76ers, the New Jersey Devils, leading venue Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., the GRAMMY Museum Experience Prudential Center, the Delaware 87ers, the Binghamton Devils, the Sixers Innovation Lab Crafted by Kimball, and renowned esports franchise Team Dignitas.

HBSE creates a vehicle for Harris and Blitzer to accelerate growth of their holdings through focused resources across their properties, while intensifying exploration of strategic investment opportunities. With a track record of innovation, HBSE positions itself as one of the most pioneering global sports and entertainment businesses, while positively impacting the local communities in which it operates.

HBSE will also bring together some of the most talented and innovative minds in sports and entertainment, led by Scott O’Neil and Hugh Weber, who were named HBSE CEO and HBSE President, respectively. Brad Shron has also been promoted to General Counsel, HBSE. 

“As we continue to expand our scope in the world of professional sports and entertainment, we’re excited to launch Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment,” Harris said. “We believe this endeavor allows us to continue to grow strategically and innovatively.” 

“We take pride in hiring the best and brightest talent from a variety of backgrounds and industries with the goal of shaping a well-rounded, dynamic organization,” Blitzer said. “HBSE provides a unique opportunity to harness the power of our talented management team and our shared resources to fuel growth and expansion, and a means to accelerate and sustain long-term success.”

The announcement of HBSE’s formation has resulted in several promotions across HBSE properties to provide a structure that enables continued growth in the core properties. The following executives have received promotions and will also contribute to overarching HBSE initiatives:

• Chris Heck to President of the Philadelphia 76ers

• Lara Price to Chief Operating Officer of the Philadelphia 76ers

• Adam Davis, Chief Revenue Officer of the Prudential Center and Devils, will expand his role to run the partnership business for all HBSE properties

• Jake Reynolds to Chief Revenue Officer of the Philadelphia 76ers

• Katie O’Reilly to Chief Marketing Officer for the 76ers

“Led by a visionary and progressive ownership group, our organization is built on the foundation of an incredible culture, a committed team of talented people, and innovative thinking,” O’Neil said. “Our growth mindset, coupled with our focus on leveraging our access, reach and resources to make our communities stronger, continues to differentiate us in the landscape of sports and entertainment. This commitment to growth, which started with the acquisition of the Philadelphia 76ers, has quickly emerged as a growing and dynamic sports and entertainment company. The formation of HBSE is a signal that this is just the beginning to an incredible future.”

“We take great pride in the work we’ve done across our properties in recent years and believe our newfound alignment as Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment will serve as the launch point for future success and opportunity,” Weber said. “We’re looking forward to solidifying a model of growth in our businesses that produces leaders and innovators in sports and entertainment and leaves a meaningful legacy in the communities we serve.”

For more information, visit the HBSE website HERE.

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HBSE Public Relations:

Dave Sholler – 609-992-1315 - davesholler@sixers.com 

Lara Toscani Weems – 610-675-8153 – laratoscani@sixers.com 

HARRIS BLITZER SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT NAMED ONE OF ‘50 BEST COMPANIES TO SELL FOR’ IN THE WORLD BY SELLING POWER MAGAZINE

HONOR RECOGNIZES HBSE FOR DYNAMIC CORPORATE CULTURE, INDUSTRY-RENOWNED TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND RECORD-BREAKING RESULTS

PHILADELPHIA — AUG. 2, 2018 — Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) has been named one of the “50 Best Companies to Sell For” by the world’s preeminent sales publication, Selling Power magazine. Selling Power evaluated sales-focused organizations from across the country on categories including: sales culture, sales training and coaching, sales-rep onboarding and sales enablement and compensating and benefits. Google, Microsoft and Aramark are among the companies previously recognized with the award.

At the core of the dynamic, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment global portfolio are properties such as the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), New Jersey Devils (NHL) and Prudential Center, one of the world’s top-ranked venues located in Newark, New Jersey. These properties were specifically evaluated by Selling Power when determining this recognition.

  “We’ve worked hard to build a culture that fosters and promotes success, so it’s a tremendous honor to be recognized by Selling Power magazine,” said Chris Heck, Philadelphia 76ers President of Business Operations. “Our Managing Partners Josh Harris and David Blitzer truly believe in the value of cultivating and developing talent, as well as driving our business through innovation. The growth and results produced by our sales staff are a genuine reflection of our mission and strategic vision. This is also a testament to the work ethic and special culture our incredible staff members have built.”

“We’re thrilled to receive this recognition from Selling Power magazine,” said Jake Reynolds, Philadelphia 76ers Chief Revenue Officer and New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center Senior Vice President of Ticket Sales and Service. “We are fortunate at HBSE to work with remarkable leaders such as Scott O’Neil, Hugh Weber and Chris Heck. With their support and guidance, we have created a culture centered around access, development and recognition. It’s allowed us to build and grow an amazing staff of talented individuals who embrace and embody our culture every day. Our people, process and culture soundly position HBSE for success, while also making this such a phenomenal place to work.”

Selling Power magazine founder and publisher Gerhard Gschwandtner says it is vital to recognize companies that are creating excellent sales teams today.

“The companies on this year’s list represent the future of selling,” Gschwandtner said. “We are living in the age of sales enablement. To win at an elite level, salespeople need the support of excellent sales training, the right technology, and great sales coaching. The 50 Best Companies to Sell For have made the right investments, culturally and financially, to make sure their salespeople have every advantage as they compete to win deals and generate more revenue.”

HBSE’s emphasis on corporate culture and executive development has garnered the industry-leader a host of accolades from within and outside the world of sports and entertainment. Notably, the Philadelphia 76ers have been named one of Fast Company magazine’s 2018 “Most Innovative Companies” and a member of Philadelphia Business Journal’s “Best Places to Work” list for three consecutive years.  The New Jersey Devils have been honored as an NJBiz “Best Business,” while the popularity of Prudential Center has risen from a Top 25 to the No. 8 Most-Played Venue in the world (Pollstar magazine) over the course of the past three years alone.

With a goal of fostering a best-in-class workplace environment that is diverse, challenging and fun, HBSE invests in programs that support employees’ personal and professional development. Initiatives include internally led graduate-level sales and business classes, free employee gyms and organic food, the “Project 76” community service program and more.

Under the guiding principle championed by HBSE CEO Scott O’Neil that “culture drives business success, and people drive culture,” the impact of HBSE’s culture and growth-focused initiatives have generated positive returns on the organization’s bottom line. During the 2017-18 season, the Philadelphia 76ers broke the franchise record for season ticket memberships and the New Jersey Devils recorded franchise-leading growth metrics in season ticket memberships.