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10 sports ticket sales experts
These ten professionals have led ticket sales for professional sports teams, in roles from director of season ticket sales to executive vice president of ticket sales. A reader can learn how ticket sales leaders build and run their teams at sports organizations.
Professionals to explore
01—10Adam Martelli
LinkedInExperience: Director, Season Ticket Sales · Houston Astros
Director, Season Ticket Sales at the Houston Astros since 2020. Former Manager Inside Sales (2017–2020) and Account Executive, Season Tickets (2012–2016) at the Houston Astros, where the profile says the account executive role sold full season tickets, partial season ticket plans, group tickets and premium locations.
Craig Gumz
LinkedInExperience: Senior Director, Ticket Sales and Service · Minnesota Twins
Senior Director, Ticket Sales and Service at the Minnesota Twins since 2024, leading the Twins Ticket Sales and Service department, including Season Memberships and Retention, Group Sales and Service, and New Business Development. Former Director of Season Memberships & Retention at the Minnesota Twins (2022–2024).
Dan Hessling
LinkedInExperience: Senior Vice President, Ticket Sales · Texas Rangers Baseball Club
Senior Vice President, Ticket Sales at the Texas Rangers Baseball Club since 2024. Former Vice President, Ticket Sales (2021–2024), Director, Season Tickets (2019–2021), Manager, Season Tickets (2014–2019) and Full Service Account Executive (2012–2014) at the Texas Rangers Baseball Club.
Dave Dowd
LinkedInExperience: Executive Director of Ticket Sales · Chicago Bulls
Executive Director of Ticket Sales at the Chicago Bulls since 2002. The profile credits this role with ticket sales success that finished in the top two in NBA attendance in 20 of 24 seasons, with a win record of less than .500 during that time. The profile also lists Assistant Vice President, Business Development Account Executive & Direct Promotions Manager at MBNA America (1997–2002).
Derek Schuster
LinkedInExperience: Vice President, Ticket Sales & Service · Philadelphia Phillies
Vice President, Ticket Sales & Service at the Philadelphia Phillies since 2025, where the profile says this role directs all areas of organizational ticket sales, retention and client relationships. Former Senior Director, Sales (2022–2025), Director, Sales (2014–2022) and Director, Season Ticket Sales (2007–2014) at the Philadelphia Phillies.
Jim Panetta
LinkedInExperience: Sr. Director of Ticket Sales and Service · Angels Baseball
Sr. Director of Ticket Sales and Service at Angels Baseball since 2016, overseeing sales and service of all ticket sales opportunities at Angel Stadium, including Season Seats, Suites, Group Sales and Mini-Plans. Former Director, Premium Sales and Service at Honda Center/Anaheim Ducks (2006–2016) and Premium Sales Account Executive at the Los Angeles Dodgers (2003–2006).
John Beaven
LinkedInExperience: Executive Vice President, Ticket Sales and Services · Golden State Warriors
Chief Revenue Officer at the Golden State Warriors since 2023, where the profile says this role is responsible for all Ticket Sales and Service efforts among other areas. Former Executive Vice President, Ticket Sales and Services (2021–2023), Senior Vice President, Ticket Sales & Services (2018–2023) and Executive Director, Ticket Sales (2010–2013) at the Golden State Warriors.
Odell Benton Jr.
LinkedInExperience: Senior Director, Ticket Sales & Service · Philadelphia 76ers
Senior Director, Ticket Sales & Service at the Philadelphia 76ers since 2024, where the profile says this role is responsible for the strategy, oversight and execution of all Ticket Sales & Service alongside the VP of Ticket Sales & Service. Former Director, Ticket Sales (2022–2024) and Manager, Inside Sales (2020–2021) at the Philadelphia 76ers.
Sean Linfield
LinkedInExperience: VP, Ticket Sales · Colorado Eagles Professional Hockey, LLC
VP, Ticket Sales at Colorado Eagles Professional Hockey, LLC since 2020, where the profile says this role sets departmental goals and develops the business strategy for all aspects of the department. Former Director of Ticket Sales (2018–2020) and Senior Account Executive (2013–2018) at Colorado Eagles Professional Hockey, LLC.
Warren Parr
LinkedInExperience: Vice President of Ticket Sales & Service · Atlanta Falcons
Vice President of Ticket Sales & Service at the Atlanta Falcons since 2021 and Senior Vice President of Ticketing at AMB Sports and Entertainment since 2026. Former Director Of Ticket Sales (2014–2021), Ticket Sales Manager (2009–2014) and Premium Seat Sales Executive (2008) at the Atlanta Falcons.
Choose the right perspective
Match the person's role focus to your question, since new season ticket sales, renewals, group sales and premium seating each call for different selling and service approaches. Also weigh the league and market size of the teams in a person's background against your own situation.
Questions to take into the conversation
- 01How do you structure a ticket sales team between new season ticket sales, group sales and renewals?
- 02What drives season ticket renewal rates, and how do you keep them up during losing seasons?
- 03How do you set ticket sales targets and pricing for partial plans and group packages?
Reaching sports ticket sales experts
How can I contact one of these sports ticket sales experts?
Pick one of the 10 people on this page and choose "Book a paid call", or describe your project to find others. You offer a fee for a 15-minute call or a written answer, Instant Expert finds the person's work email and sends the invitation, and they decide whether to accept. The list covers 10 companies, including Houston Astros, Minnesota Twins and Texas Rangers Baseball Club, based on profile data retrieved on October 4, 2026. Being listed here doesn't mean someone has agreed to take calls.
How much does it cost to reach sports ticket sales experts?
You choose the offer, starting at $5 per person. It includes Instant Expert's 20% fee, so an offer that pays the person $100 costs you $125. You're charged only when the person books the call or sends the answer.
What if they don't reply?
You pay nothing. Instant Expert sends follow-up reminders, and if the person hasn't booked or answered within 7 days, the request expires and any hold on your card is released. You can invite several of the 10 people on this list at once and cap your total spend, so you pay only for the ones who accept.
About this directory
This is a professional research starting point based on business profile data retrieved on . Titles and companies reflect that source snapshot and may describe past or present roles. Check the linked profiles for current details. Inclusion does not imply Instant Expert membership or availability.
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