Josh Glessing — President of Business Operations
Josh Glessing currently serves as the Columbus Crew’s President of Business Operations in addition to his role as Chief of Strategy and Development for Haslams Sports Group (HSG), which he joined in 2019. In addition to directing the Crew’s business efforts – revenue generation, fan experience, marketing, events, stadium operations, fan experience and administration – which he also oversaw on an interim basis in 2021, Glessing focuses on strategic business and growth initiatives for the HSG portfolio of companies including the NFL’S Cleveland Browns, NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, HSG Ventures and HSG Real Estate. Additionally, he leads all merger and acquisition activity including the identification and execution of opportunities to elevate the HSG portfolio.
In 2023, the Crew set Club records for multiple revenue categories, including corporate partnerships, overall ticketing and premium sales, and are on pace to exceed those totals in 2024 after the Black & Gold claimed their third MLS Cup on December 9 at Lower.com Field.
Glessing – a 2024 SportsBusiness Journal Forty Under 40 honoree – is also leading the Club’s business endeavors for hosting the 2024 MLS All-Star Game, the third in Columbus and first at Lower.com Field; the Crew’s Leagues Cup Showcase match against the English Premier League’s Aston Villa F.C. in July; the 2024 SheBelieves Cup in April; and additional major events in Columbus at Lower.com Field and Historic Crew Stadium, plus support of the Chelsea F.C.-Manchester City F.C. contest at Ohio Stadium in August.
A member of HSG’s executive team, Glessing oversees the development and investment strategy of HSG Ventures, an investment vehicle focused on investing in sports, entertainment, media and technology. Select HSG Ventures investments include: WNBA (league-level), StatusPro, Misfits Gaming Group, Courtside VC, Wicket, Jackpot.com and others.
Prior to joining HSG, Glessing was a Vice President in the Global Sports Finance and Advisory Group within the Investment Banking Division at Goldman Sachs (2013-2019). He specialized in advisory and finance engagements related to sports franchises, including merger and acquisition and development projects. In this capacity, he represented ownership groups in leagues across the world including the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS, EPL and Serie A. He previously advised states and local governments on large-scale capital projects with PFM Group.
Glessing sits on the board of Misfits Gaming Group and is a board observer of StatusPro on behalf of HSG Ventures. He is also a Board Member and Executive Committee member of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission and Board Member of the Confluence Community Authority, which owns Lower.com Field and issues public debt to help fund stadium construction costs.
Originally from Wisconsin, Glessing earned a bachelor’s degree in public affairs from Indiana University. He currently resides in Columbus with his wife, Sarah, daughter, Greta and son, Charlie.