Ed Tapscott has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of Bobcats Sports & Entertainment, and Peter Smul has been elevated to the role of Chief Operating Officer, it was announced by Robert L. Johnson, majority owner of Bobcats Sports & Entertainment.
“Ed has done a fantastic job getting the Bobcats franchise up and running and integrating our organization into the Charlotte community,” said Johnson. “He has earned the respect of the local community, as well as our peers in the NBA, and has created a foundation for success on the court. I am confident that through Ed’s continued strong leadership, the Bobcats future will be bright.”
Tapscott has led the Bobcats organization since the NBA granted Charlotte an expansion franchise in December 2002. He had previously served as president and chief operating officer, where he managed the organization’s day-to-day operations. In his new role, Tapscott will retain the president’s title while working closely with the organization’s ownership group in directing the strategic on-court and off-court development of the Bobcats, Sting and Charlotte Bobcats Arena. Tapscott, who also serves as an Alternate Governor on the National Basketball Association Board of Governors, will continue to be the team’s lead representative on all basketball and business matters in Charlotte and at the league level.
Smul will assume the title of chief operating officer, reporting directly to Tapscott, and will now direct the day-to-day operations of both the Charlotte Bobcats and Charlotte Sting. Smul will oversee all sales, service, administrative, finance, legal and marketing functions for the two franchises.
“Peter has been instrumental in the growth of our organization as both chief financial officer and executive vice president of business operations,” said Tapscott. “He is very well regarded in our company, within the Charlotte community and throughout the NBA. We look forward to Peter providing strong operational leadership for both the Bobcats and the Sting.”
Bobcats Sports & Entertainment owns and operates the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA), the Charlotte Sting (WNBA) and operates the widely-acclaimed Charlotte Bobcats Arena located in downtown Charlotte.