ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Damani Leech has been named as the Denver Broncos new team president.
Leech worked the past seven seasons with the NFL office, most recently as chief operating officer of NFL International. He will be in charge of the Broncos' business operations and stadium management and report directly to new CEO Greg Penner.
George Paton, the Broncos' general manager in charge of football operations, will also report to Penner.
Let history record that Leech was the first hire of the Broncos' new ownership group that is led by controlling owner Rob Walton and Penner.
"As we sought to identify a dynamic, forward-thinking and inspiring leader to guide the Broncos into this exciting new chapter, Damani stood out among several very qualified candidates," Penner said in a statement. "There was a high degree of interest in this opportunity with the Broncos, which speaks to the reputation of this organization and Damani's strong credentials."
Leech was a three-time, all-Ivy League defensive back at Princeton, where he graduated with a degree in public policy in 1998. He got his master's from Indiana University in 2004. A Tacoma, Wash., native, Leech and his wife Dr. Tamara Leech have two daughters.
"Greg and the other partners are visionary leaders, and the trust they have shown in me is deeply humbling,'' Leech said in a statement. "I'm thrilled to support our world-class ownership, leadership team and staff on this journey to drive innovation and growth throughout every area of the Denver Broncos.
"With a championship history and heritage, the Broncos are a remarkable organization that has a special connection with its fans and community. Speaking with George Paton during this process, it's clear that this team is positioned to succeed on and off the field. I can't wait to work alongside ownership, George, Coach Hackett, the players and staff to help this flagship franchise reach the next level of greatness."
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