Stephen Cannon

Stephen Cannon is a distinguished executive, philanthropist, and military advocate, currently serving as Managing Partner of Bay Point Sports Fund and Chairman of the Avalon Action Alliance. At Bay Point Sports Fund, he leads strategic investments in the evolving sports industry, while at Avalon Action Alliance, he connects America’s heroes with essential care and resources, ensuring their sacrifices are honored through meaningful support.

Corporate Leadership

Cannon has built a remarkable career in the automotive and sports industries, leading world-class organizations to record-setting success.

As President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) from 2012 to 2015, he oversaw the Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, Sprinter, and smart brands in the U.S., driving over $20 billion in annual revenue. Under his leadership, MBUSA achieved its first-ever No. 1 ranking on the American Customer Satisfaction Index and was named a Fortune “Best Place to Work” for five consecutive years. He also oversaw the company’s successful headquarters relocation from New Jersey to Atlanta, strengthening its strategic market position.

Following his tenure at MBUSA, Cannon became Vice Chairman & CEO of AMB Sports and Entertainment (AMBSE), a key division of the Arthur M. Blank Family of Businesses. He was recognized as one of Atlanta’s Most Admired CEOs for his outstanding leadership and vision. In this role, he oversaw the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and PGA TOUR Superstore, managing day-to-day operations and driving substantial revenue growth. Under his leadership, Mercedes-Benz Stadium became one of the nation's premier venues, hosting the Super Bowl, College Football National Championship, SEC Championships, global soccer friendlies, and major concert events. Both the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United have consistently ranked in the upper revenue quartile of their respective leagues. Additionally, both the Falcons and Atlanta United were recognized for achieving the number one fan experience among all the teams in each of the leagues. During Cannon’s leadership, MBS was a pillar of the Atlanta community, hosting early voting during political elections and serving as a mass vaccination site during Covid-19.

Cannon’s earlier career included pivotal roles in Germany as part of the team developing the MClass, the first Mercedes-Benz SUV built in the U.S. He also held executive roles at Daimler Financial Services and The Richards Group, a top U.S. advertising agency, before rejoining MBUSA as Vice President of Marketing in 2007, leading to his promotion to CEO.

Military Advocacy & Philanthropy

A tireless supporter of America’s military, Cannon has led numerous initiatives to honor service members and their families.

In 2024, he was awarded the prestigious USO Merit Award for his unwavering support of activeduty service members. He also received the 2020 NFL Salute to Service Award, having made the Atlanta Falcons’ military outreach the benchmark in the NFL.

Cannon has personally led multiple NFL team-directed USO Tours, visiting troops in Iraq, Kuwait, Romania, and Bulgaria—the latter marking the first U.S. sports franchise visit to troops in these remote locations.

In 2014, Cannon and his fellow West Point classmates co-founded the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund, a nonprofit committed to honoring military service by providing scholarships to veterans and military families, particularly children of fallen and disables service members. JMSF has proudly raised over $50 million. Building on his dedication to supporting military families, Cannon also serves on the National Board of Directors for TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), further solidifying his deep commitment to the families of America’s heroes.

Military Service & Personal Life

Cannon’s leadership journey began with his service in the U.S. Army. A West Point graduate with honors (Class of 1986), he earned a degree in economics, was Airborne Ranger qualified, and served as a First Lieutenant in West Germany during the fall of the Iron Curtain. He spent five years as an artillery officer, gaining firsthand experience in strategic operations.

A Division 1 NCAA wrestler at West Point, Cannon was recognized in 2019 as Outstanding American by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, an honor awarded to individuals who have leveraged the discipline of wrestling for success in other fields.

Stephen and his wife, Ann, reside in Nashville and are the proud parents of nine children.