Only hours into their Broncos ownership tenure, the Walton-Penner group hired veteran sports executive Damani Leech as team president on Thursday.

Leech will lead the Broncos’ business side and Stadium Management Co., which operates Empower Field at Mile High, and will report to CEO Greg Penner.

Leech will join the Broncos at the end of August and was previously the chief operating officer of NFL International the last three years.

“As we sought to identify a dynamic, forward-thinking and inspiring leader to guide the Broncos into this exciting new chapter, Damani stood out among several very qualified candidates,” Penner said in a statement. “Damani is highly regarded throughout the National Football League for his leadership, strategic vision and collaborative spirit.

“Damani understands the value of teamwork and knows what it takes to win — on and off the field. Most importantly, he leads with integrity, empathy and respect. I’m confident Damani will help the Broncos grow across all areas of our business and make our staff, partners and fans proud of this organization.”

Leech graduated from Princeton, where he was a three-time first-team All-Ivy League defensive back. He earned a master’s degree from Indiana in 2004.

Leech began his professional career at the NCAA in 1998 as an intern and rose to managing director of championships from 2013-15. He joined the NFL in ’15, including three years overseeing the league’s international operations, which included a staff of more than 40 in Toronto, Mexico City, Shanghai, Los Angeles and New York.

“It is a tremendous honor to join Broncos Country during such an exciting time for one of the premiere franchises in all of sports,” Leech said in a statement. “Greg and the other (ownership) partners are visionary leaders and the trust they have shown in me is deeply humbling.

“Speaking with (general manager) George Paton during this process, it’s clear that this team is positioned to succeed on and off the field.”