Former Mercedes-Benz USA president and chief executive officer Steve Cannon — now the top exec at Atlanta-based AMB Sports + Entertainment — will share his insights on leadership and building a culture of excellence at the 21st Century Business Forum, presented by BizTimes Media, on June 9.
This free webcast, hosted by best-selling author Jon Gordon, will be broadcast from 11 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. on Wednesday, June 9. Click here to register.
Cannon, named among the Atlanta Business Chronicles’ 2019 Most Admired CEOs, is the chief executive officer of AMB Sports + Entertainment, assuming the day-to-day leadership of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Atlanta Falcons, United Soccer Properties and PGA TOUR Superstore. AMBSE serves as a for-profit holding group under the Arthur M. Blank Family of Businesses.
Prior to joining AMBSE in 2016, Cannon served as president and chief executive officer of Mercedes-Benz USA and was responsible for leading operations that generated record sales with annual revenues exceeding $20 billion.
Cannon has led the evolution of Mercedes-Benz Stadium since its doors opened in August 2017. Home to the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, MBS has hosted a record-setting number of large sports and entertainment events, including a Super Bowl and the College Football Playoff National Championship game.
Under Cannon’s leadership, MBS was the first professional sports stadium in North America to achieve LEED platinum certification by the United States Green Building Council and MBS Food & Beverage Experience was honored as Sports Breakthrough of the Year 2018 by Sports Business Journal for its affordable pricing.
Cannon graduated with honors from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1986 and was airborne ranger qualified and served as first lieutenant in West Germany during the fall of the Iron Curtain. During his time in the Army, he also served five years as an artillery officer.
A two-time lettered wrestler at West Point, The National Wrestling Hall of Fame named Cannon the 2019 Outstanding American, an honor given to leaders who have used the disciplines of wrestling to launch distinguished careers in other walks of life.
He has led efforts to make the Atlanta Falcons’ military outreach efforts the benchmark in the NFL. In 2018, Cannon and former Falcons head coach Dan Quinn spearheaded the first NFL team-directed USO Tour, visiting soldiers at various bases throughout Iraq and Kuwait.
A tireless supporter of America’s military and military families, Cannon alongside his fellow West Point classmates, founded the Johnny Mac Soldiers fund in 2014. The organization honors military service and sacrifice by providing scholarships to veterans and military family members, particularly children of our nation’s fallen and disabled. What began as a small effort to help one fallen classmate’s family has grown into an organization that has raised more than $17 million.
Cannon also serves on the national board of directors for TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors). Cannon and his wife, Ann, reside in Atlanta and are the parents of nine children.
The 21st Century Business Forum debuted earlier this year, featuring a lineup of successful top executives, experts and global thought leaders to share ideas and insights as business executives, entrepreneurs, owners and managers navigate the new year ahead. It airs on the second Wednesday of each month, with Gordon interviewing guests in a Q&A format.
The 21st Century Business Forum is presented by BizTimes Milwaukee and is sponsored by Johnson Financial Group. Registration is free. Sign up at www.biztimes.com/businessforum.
