BUFFALO, N.Y. (Aug. 23, 2023) – Delaware North, a global leader in hospitality and entertainment, today announced Amy Latimer, the longtime president of TD Garden and chief growth officer of Delaware North, has been appointed to the role of executive vice president and chief operating officer as of October 16.
In this role, based at Delaware North’s global headquarters in Buffalo, N.Y., she will have responsibility for Delaware North’s business operations around the world, with accountability for driving performance at more than 200 high-profile locations across sports and entertainment venues, national and state parks, destination resorts and restaurants, airports and travel hubs, and gaming properties. She will report to the company’s three CEOs, Jerry Jacobs Jr., Lou Jacobs and Charlie Jacobs. She succeeds longtime Delaware North executive Jim Houser, who will retire at the end of this year.
Latimer is a 27-year veteran for Delaware North, joining the company in 1995 as an inaugural member of the leadership team at TD Garden. She served in progressive leadership roles until she was appointed to the position of President of TD Garden in 2012. Under Latimer’s leadership, TD Garden has undergone a significant transformation. As arena president, she led a $70 million, floor-to-ceiling renovation in 2015 and a multilevel, $100-plus-million, 50,000-square-foot arena expansion that opened to the public in 2019. Dubbed TD Garden’s Legendary Transformation, this project provided a completely enhanced fan experience – from new entrances to reimagined premium products and amenities, state-of-the-art vertical transportation and several new bars, lounges and seating areas.
“Following a comprehensive selection process, Amy emerged as the ideal choice for our next EVP and Chief Operating Officer, given her depth of experience and her ability to bridge operational leadership with a broad enterprise perspective,” said Jerry Jacobs Jr., CEO of Delaware North.
“Amy’s leadership style is infused with an infectious energy that perfectly aligns with Delaware North and our values,” said Lou Jacobs, CEO of Delaware North. “She is highly regarded by her team members, peers and our clients, and we know her voice will be a valuable addition to the Office of the Chief Executive.”
“Amy is a tireless ambassador for Delaware North and an outspoken advocate for doing what is right for our team members and guests,” said Charlie Jacobs, CEO of Delaware North and CEO of the Boston Bruins. “We look forward to welcoming her leadership at the helm of Delaware North’s operations.”
A recognized leader in the sports and arena industry, Latimer was named one of Sports Business Journal’s “Game Changers” in 2011, “WISE Woman of the Year” in 2015 and a “Boston Business Power Player” in 2017 by Boston Magazine. With Latimer at the helm, TD Garden has been consistently ranked among The Boston Globe’s “Top 100 Women-led businesses in Boston.” Additionally, she was appointed to the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority’s board of directors, serves on the Massachusetts Large Venue Security Task Force, and named to the New England Advisory Council for the Boston Federal Reserve.
In 2021, Latimer took on additional responsibility as chief growth officer for Delaware North, successfully steering business development and revenue management teams and playing a pivotal role in driving growth strategies forward.
Latimer’s appointment to EVP and chief operating officer will officially take effect October 16. She will work alongside current EVP and COO Jim Houser until his retirement at the end of the year. The company has commenced a process to determine the best succession plan for Latimer’s current roles as president of TD Garden and Delaware North chief growth officer.