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Phil Castellini

COO
Cincinnati Reds



Phillip J. Castellini was named Chief Operating Officer for the Cincinnati Reds in January 2008. Following the 2005 season, he was hired as the Reds’ Senior Director of Business Operations and in January 2007 was named Senior Vice President of Business Operations. As Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Castellini is responsible for all business and ballpark operations and reports directly to Robert H. Castellini, the Reds’ President and Chief Executive Officer. Since 1993, he also has served as President of Merchants Cold Storage in Walton, Kentucky.
 
Under Mr. Castellini’s leadership, revenues have reached record highs as a result of increased Reds fan engagement. The growth in Reds ticket sales, corporate partnerships, merchandise, concessions and special events reflect the invigorated culture within the team’s business operations. He has expanded the footprint within Great American Ball Park to offer more food and beverage options for fans, plus increased the number of retail locations and other amenities in park to ensure a positive guest experience. Mr. Castellini’s emphasis on in-park technology and entertainment is part of the Reds’ belief that fans come to Reds games to have fun.  He directed the revival and expansion of the Reds’ promotional events, including Redsfest, Winter Caravan and the Reds Hall of Fame Induction ceremonies. His attention on improving the gameday experience included changes to in-park entertainment featuring high-definition video technology, fireworks shows, post-game concerts, and growing the number of Reds mascots to four: Mr. Redlegs, Rosie Red, Mr. Red and Gapper. The 2012 season saw the opening of a mini ballfield for kids and the Reds Heads Kids Clubhouse in the Fan Zone. Mr. Castellini has broadened the retail options for fans with five in-park retail stores. Food and beverage options have expanded including Mr. Red’s Smokehouse and the UDF ‘Grab and Go’ Markets. Numerous group party spaces have been developed including the Frontgate Outdoor Luxury Suite, Cincinnati Bell Riverboat Deck and the Duke Energy Retail Power Alley Patio.
 
As an executive committee board member for the Reds Community Fund, Mr. Castellini led the development of funding for the P&G Cincinnati MLB Urban Youth Academy in Roselawn which opened in August 2014. This academy is the first in the Midwest, as part of Major League Baseball’s Urban Youth Academy program. Mr. Castellini represents the Reds as one of six teams on Major League Baseball’s Ticketing Subcommittee, having been appointed by Commissioner Bud Selig.
 
Mr. Castellini is engaged in civic activities in the community. He is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization, Commonwealth Club and served as President on the Board of Joy Outdoor Education Center. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, and is on the Queen City Club Board of Governors. He also serves as a trustee on the Cincinnati Parks Foundation Board. Mr. Castellini is a former board member for the Underground Railroad Freedom Center and Cincinnati Museum Center. He is also a former Xavier University Mentor and is involved in the Xavier University X-LAB entrepreneurial program.
 
Mr. Castellini graduated from Babson College with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Entrepreneurial studies and a minor in literature. He also has attended post-graduate studies through the University of Pittsburgh’s Semester at Sea program.

Mr. Castellini and his wife Britt have five children: Lucia, Gabriella, Chloe, Millie and John James.