MetLife Stadium Leadership News: Ron VanDeVeen Named Chief Programming Officer, Mark Stefanacci Takes Helm As President And CEO

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, today announced that Ron VanDeVeen will transition to a new role after 10 years as venue president and CEO, taking a new role as chief programming officer while Mark Stefanacci takes the helm as president and CEO after serving as COO and general counsel.

VanDeVeen will continue to serve as the primary booking contact for the 82,500-seat MetLife Stadium, home to both the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets and a regular tour stop for the largest-scale touring productions, including upcoming dates with Bruno Mars (four nights), Ed Sheeran (two) Karol G, AC/DC and more. The stadium was also host to eight matches 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, including the tournament finale on July 19, with 645,186 total fans in attendance during the World Cup.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to lead MetLife Stadium over the past ten years,” said VanDeVeen in the announcement. “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.”

All changes are effective September 1, 2026.

Since opening in 2010, VanDeVeen has helmed the stadium and led the charge in bringing major events to the stadium, including Super Bowl XLVIII, Copa America Centenario, WrestleMania 29 and 35, NHL Stadium Series, Supercross, Army/Navy Game and concert tour stops from artists including The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Chesney and many more.

“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.”

Stefanacci has been with MetLife Stadium 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.

“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.”