Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (MSG Sports) has announced president and chief executive officer, Andrew Lustgarten, is stepping down to join the board of directors in 2023.

MSG Sports has announced executive vice president and president of team operations, David Hopkinson, as the new president and chief operating officer of the company, where he will take over with immediate effect.

During his eight-year tenure, Lustgarten is credited with spearheading the spin-off of MSG Entertainment from MSG Sports, as well as leading the company through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Commenting on the move, Lustgarten said: “I am proud of what we’ve accomplished at MSG Sports, in addition to navigating through COVID and reporting record financial results for this past year, we’ve put in place our future growth strategies and have assembled a strong and seasoned management team to lead the way.”

“With the company on firm footing and the NBA and NHL seasons set to start soon, this is the right time for me to pursue new opportunities,” he said.

Hopkinson joined MSG Sports in 2020 and has since helped drive business operations including marketing, ticketing and in-game experience.

As president and COO, he will be responsible for the company’s business strategy as well as overseeing the business operations of professional sports franchises; the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, Westchester Knicks, Hartford Wolf Pack, Counter Logic Gaming and Knicks Gaming.

On his appointment, Hopkinson, said: “MSG Sports is made up of some of the most iconic brands in all of sports.”

“There is so much opportunity for growth and to further expand MSG’s position as a leader in sports.

“I am honored to take on this new role and look forward to working with the extraordinary people across MSG Sports to continue delivering excellence across our operations and to realize the enormous potential ahead of us,” he said.

MSG Sports has not named a new chief executive officer at this time, however, executive chairman, James Dolan, will continue to oversee team operations for the Ranger and the Knicks who were named the NBA’s most valuable franchise in 2021 by Sportico.