Monumental Sports & Entertainment Appoints Global Leader and DC Native AJ Jones II as Executive Vice President, Chief Strategic and Corporate Communications Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) has appointed AJ Jones II as Executive Vice President, Chief Strategic and Corporate Communications Officer. Jones, who will report directly to CEO Ted Leonsis, joins MSE from Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX), where he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer.

In his new role, Jones will oversee MSE's brand and corporate narrative, lead financial and investor communications, and manage stakeholder engagement strategies. At Starbucks, he led global communications, partner communications, social media, investor relations, and various other initiatives including the Starbucks Foundation.

Jones brings extensive international experience, having worked in multiple countries including Hong Kong, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. He is actively involved in several prestigious organizations including the Washington Economic Club and Executive Leadership Council.

Positive

• Strategic hire brings extensive global communications and investor relations experience from Fortune 500 company (SBUX)
• Strong international business background across multiple markets
• Expertise in public-private partnerships and economic development
• Deep experience in customer service and entertainment sector

Negative

• None.

Jones to join MSE senior leadership team overseeing corporate, investor, and ownership communications with MSE's external, internal, and partner stakeholders

WASHINGTON, March 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE), America's leading sports and entertainment family, today announced the appointment of AJ Jones II as Executive Vice President, Chief Strategic and Corporate Communications Officer to its world-class leadership team.

In this role, Jones will be responsible for developing, executing and amplifying MSE's brand and corporate narrative; leading ownership, financial, investor, and community-based communications; overseeing the company's broader investor relations and stakeholder engagement strategies; and serving as a member of MSE's leadership team. Jones will report directly to Ted Leonsis, Founder, Chairman, Managing Partner, and Chief Executive Officer of MSE.

"AJ is a renowned communications leader whose expertise spans Fortune 500 companies, national non-profits, government organizations, and multilateral agencies," said Ted Leonsis. "As MSE continues to grow and evolve, AJ's expansive senior executive experience across business sectors, industries, philanthropy, investor, and international relations will be invaluable. His deep knowledge of customer service and entertainment will also help us enhance and showcase the unforgettable moments we strive to create for fans of our teams."

Jones joins MSE from Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX), where he served in multiple leadership roles, including Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, and Executive Vice President and Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer. In those roles, Jones led the company's global communications, partner (employee) communications and social media platforms, corporate and investor communications, brand-product communications and experiences, Starbucks Entertainment, global government affairs, Social Impact, and Starbucks Foundation teams worldwide. He also played a pivotal role in Starbucks' global growth by fostering public-private partnerships to spearhead economic development. Additionally, Jones served as lead executive for the company's Board of Directors Environmental, Partner, and Community Impact Committee, was an executive sponsor of the Armed Forces Partner Network, and was a governing member of the Global Brand Council.

"Monumental is one of the most valuable and forward-thinking sports and media-entertainment organizations in the world," said Jones. "Ted and Zach Leonsis have built a company that is unrivaled in its ability to deliver best-in-class service to fans. This has been driven by dynamic management, strong cultural values, and an unwavering commitment to the community. As someone who has lived and thrived in the DC metropolitan area and has insatiable appetite for sports and media-entertainment, I'm thrilled to contribute to this exceptional organization."

"The future of major league sports and media is increasingly global, with success driven by delivering highly personalized, premium services for consumers," said Zach Leonsis, President of Media & New Enterprises for MSE. "AJ's track record of working in senior communications roles with international brands that prioritize outstanding customer engagement makes him a perfect fit to contribute to our next phase of growth."

Jones has worked internationally in Hong Kong, South Africa, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, and Switzerland. Before his tenure at Starbucks, Jones held senior executive roles in Fortune 500 companies, top-ranked agencies, and leading philanthropic and governmental intuitions. He is actively involved in the Washington Economic Club, Executive Leadership Council, World Fifty Group, and is an Executive Member of the Forbes Communications Council and Fast Company Executive Board member.

About Monumental Sports & Entertainment

Monumental Sports & Entertainment is America's leading sports and entertainment family. Our people, players, teams, and events bring excitement and joy to millions. We invest and innovate to consistently raise the game so we can deliver extraordinary experiences that will inspire and unite our community, our fans, and our people. To learn more, please visit monumentalsports.com. 

Media Contact
pro-monumental@prosek.com 

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SOURCE Monumental Sports & Entertainment

FAQ

What was AJ Jones II's previous role at Starbucks (SBUX)?

AJ Jones II served as Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Starbucks, leading global communications, partner communications, investor relations, and the Starbucks Foundation.

What will be AJ Jones II's responsibilities at Monumental Sports & Entertainment?

He will oversee brand and corporate narrative, lead financial and investor communications, manage stakeholder engagement strategies, and serve on MSE's leadership team, reporting to CEO Ted Leonsis.

What international experience does AJ Jones II bring from his time at SBUX?

Jones worked in multiple countries including Hong Kong, South Africa, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, and Switzerland.

Which professional organizations is AJ Jones II affiliated with?

He is involved with the Washington Economic Club, Executive Leadership Council, World Fifty Group, Forbes Communications Council, and Fast Company Executive Board.