 |
Kelly hoping for some
snow at SB XLVIII |
The Jets and Giants
yesterday named former American Express President
AL KELLY as CEO of the New York/New Jersey 2014 Super Bowl Host Committee "after a five-month search that came down to about six finalists," according to Richard Sandomir of the N.Y. TIMES. Jets Owner
WOODY JOHNSON: "It wasn't the easiest process, but Al Kelly was an amazing candidate and he'll be an amazing leader." Kelly's job is to "oversee the preparations for the first Super Bowl in the New York area, in a stadium that will be open to potentially snowy, cold weather." Kelly: "This is a game meant to be played in the elements. I'm not wishing for a four-foot blizzard, but a couple of inches of white stuff and a lower temperature would be a great way for the game to be played" (
N.Y. TIMES, 4/19). Kelly said that he "was 'looking at a number of corporate CEO opportunities' back in early January when he received a call from the recruiting firm seeking to fill an unprecedented position." Kelly: "This was not something that was on my radar screen. I quite frankly didn't know anything about it, wasn't seeking it out, was somewhat surprised when I got the call and actually didn't think much of it." In N.Y., Paul Schwartz notes Kelly was "convinced that he was the right man to serve as CEO ... despite the less-than-enthusiastic initial vibes." A meeting with Johnson and Giants Treasurer
JONATHAN TISCH, co-Chairs of the Host Committee, "planted the idea in Kelly's head that this is the direction he should take." Kelly: "They convinced me this is how I should spend my next three years" (
N.Y. POST, 4/19). In N.Y., Gary Myers reports Kelly "plans to meet in the next 30 days with the host committees of the last four or five Super Bowls and those in Indianapolis and New Orleans, which are hosting the next two" (
N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 4/19).
