AECOM Names Jim Renne SVP and Sports Studio MD
AECOM, the world-renowned infrastructure consulting firm, has announced a significant addition to its leadership team with the appointment of Jim Renne as Senior Vice President and Managing Director of its United States sports practice. This strategic move reinforces AECOM’s ongoing commitment to delivering cutting-edge sports venues and enhancing its market position in the sports infrastructure sector.
With nearly three decades of multifaceted experience in the design, construction, and development of sports and entertainment facilities, Mr. Renne brings a deep understanding of the intersection between architecture, fan experience, and commercial success. In his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing business development and client engagement, driving strategic growth, and further strengthening AECOM’s influential presence in the U.S. and global sports markets.
A Leadership Team Built for Innovation
Mr. Renne will work closely with two of AECOM’s top global sports executives: Dan Meis, FAIA, Director of Global Sports Design and known for his iconic stadium concepts worldwide, and Bill Hanway, Executive Vice President and Global Sports Leader. Together, this leadership trio will guide the firm’s sports practice into a new era of venue innovation, international expansion, and market diversification.
Renne’s addition aligns with AECOM’s ambition to elevate its impact in a rapidly evolving global sports landscape. The firm already boasts an impressive portfolio of high-profile stadiums, arenas, and entertainment districts, many of which have set new standards for sustainability, technology integration, and multi-use flexibility. His leadership is expected to fuel the next wave of AECOM’s sports projects, particularly in markets experiencing rapid growth such as women’s professional leagues and international football (soccer).
A Career Shaped by High-Impact Projects
Before joining AECOM, Mr. Renne led the Sports and Entertainment Project Development Services division at JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle), where he represented sports franchises and major real estate investors in the planning and execution of large-scale sports and entertainment developments. His work often involved complex urban environments and ambitious, mixed-use master plans that required balancing fan amenities with commercial viability and long-term community integration.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Renne spent over two decades at the Detroit-based sports and entertainment architecture firm ROSSETTI, where he played a central role in shaping the design of several prominent venues. As Sports Principal, he led teams responsible for delivering state-of-the-art projects such as the UCLA Health Training Center, home of the Los Angeles Lakers, and Daytona Rising, the $400 million reimagining of Daytona International Speedway that won Sports Business Journal’s 2016 “Sports Facility of the Year.”
Under his leadership at ROSSETTI, Renne also helped steer firm-wide strategic initiatives, including expanding into the Asian sports venue market and spearheading research and development aimed at merging architectural creativity with clients’ long-term financial objectives. This focus on aligning design solutions with business performance has remained a hallmark of his approach and will be instrumental in his role at AECOM.
Elevating the Fan Experience and Venue Strategy
Mr. Renne’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the sports venue industry, which is experiencing a transformation driven by digital integration, immersive fan experiences, and new business models. From biometric access control and dynamic digital signage to flexible seating configurations and multipurpose use for non-sporting events, next-generation venues require a blend of architecture, operations, and technology.
In response to these changes, AECOM continues to position itself as a partner that can provide full-spectrum support—from initial concept development and stakeholder engagement to delivery oversight and long-term operational planning. The company’s integration of engineering, architecture, urban design, and advisory services enables it to deliver comprehensive, sustainable, and innovative sports solutions that meet the needs of clients and communities alike.
“AECOM has long been recognized for its pioneering influence on sports venue design and its proven track record of creating forward-thinking, holistic destinations that serve as cultural and economic anchors for modern cities,” said Mr. Renne. “I’m honored to join a team with such remarkable talent and vision. Together, we will not only strengthen our national footprint but also deliver venues that redefine the global standard for what sports infrastructure can and should be.”
Renne added that his goal is to help AECOM grow its market share by capitalizing on the momentum of emerging sports trends. This includes leveraging new revenue models in fan-centric design, embracing sustainability and resiliency practices, and developing tailored solutions for sports franchises aiming to embed themselves more meaningfully within their local communities.
A Studio Dedicated to Sports Design Excellence
AECOM’s sports practice is structured as a globally integrated design studio with principal operations in Los Angeles, Kansas City, and New York City. The studio brings together world-class architects, engineers, planners, and technical experts who collaborate on projects for professional leagues, collegiate athletics, Olympic and international mega-events, and sports-anchored mixed-use developments.
Some of the firm’s past sports projects include the London 2012 Olympic Park, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas—all of which highlight AECOM’s ability to create transformative places that go beyond sports. In addition, AECOM has been involved in the planning and delivery of venues for multiple FIFA World Cups, the NFL, NBA, MLB, and MLS, reinforcing its global credentials.
The studio’s design philosophy revolves around inclusivity, sustainability, and adaptability. By blending human-centered design with urban connectivity and long-term operational efficiency, AECOM consistently delivers sports and entertainment environments that meet the evolving expectations of fans, athletes, and stakeholders.
