Names In The News
Street & Smith's Sports Business Daily
DEI president of Global Operations Max Siegel and his wife, Jennifer, on May 16 hosted a reception at their North Carolina home for the new foundation set up in their names. Guests included DEI drivers Paul Menard, Regan Smith and Aric Amirola, Bobcats President & COO Fred Whitfield, ESPN's Chris Carter, Texans DT Amobi Okoye and NBA Free agent Troy Hudson (Indianapolis Star, 6/1).
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT MAX…..
"Max motivates by understanding what moves people, from the financial to the spiritual and everything in between. Through that crucial understanding, he motivates his team to reach their goals. Max helped shape my career. You’d be lucky to have him guide yours.”
Tony & Alicia Gwynn (MLB Hall of Fame/Philanthropist Entrepreneur)
"Max has the intuitive send of what works and is innovative in an ever-changing business and social climate. We are excited that he joined our team and what his leadership means for the future of Dale Earnhardt, Inc.”
Teresa Earnhardt, Owner Dale Earnhardt Inc.
“The most powerful thing about Max is that he uses people in the right position. He doesn’t run a dictatorship; he really relies on people and he has really pulled all the people of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. together. He is a really smart guy, he has a way with people, and manages people very well. Max is great at building relationships, he has done it with our employees, drivers and commercial partners.”
Richie Gilmore, Chief Operating Officer Earnhardt Childress Racing Technologies
"The Foundation nominates prominent figures from the entertainment industry, corporate and community leaders to receive the Joseph Papp Racial Harmony Award. He is a genuine pacesetter and his life speaks for itself. It was a privilege to honor him this year."
Russell Simmons, Chairman, Foundation For Ethnic Understanding (FFEU)
"Max Siegel is a leader in the business and entertainment communities. The Joseph Papp Racial Harmony Award is presented to prominent business leaders and corporations who are committed to the strengthening of race relations through their business and personal endeavors. Max Siegel embodies both and it is a privilege to have him as a part of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding.”
Rabbi Marc Schneier, President, Foundation for Ethnic (FFEU) Understanding
“Max Siegel does away with the conflict between doing well and doing good. He has the know-how to succeed and the understanding to bring all kinds of people together to succeed with him.”
Tavis Smiley Author, Television and Radio Host
“In NASCAR (as African Americans) we are the odd guys out a lot of times. Max shows a lot of backbone, poise and character with the way he handles himself. He has done tremendous things for Dale Earnhardt, Inc.”
Brad Daugherty (ESPN Analyst/Former NBA Star)
“Max Siegel inspired us at ESPN to embrace diversity in our vision and mission. Life to the Max is thoughtful, caring and wide open for the eager and insightful.”
John A. Walsh, Executive Editor and Executive Vice President ESPN
“I have known Max Siegel for over 20 years and can profoundly state that he has been blessed by God with a unique blend of talent, vision, integrity, toughness, loyalty and moxie. His business and legal background combined with his dynamic work ethic has clearly placed him in a special class of corporate executives. For Max, the past has been interesting, the present is fascinating and the future will be magnificent.”
Kevin Warren Vice President of Operations & Legal Counsel, Minnesota Vikings
“There are people in life who can talk Racing, people in life who can talk Sports and people in life who can talk Entertainment - Max Siegel is the rare individual who can talk about them all and have a strong message to send. More impressive than his contacts and career path is the sincerity with which he has approached his place in the world. It is easy to see why folks like Reggie White and Tony Gwynn leaned on him to help counsel their careers - he is a man of integrity and principle above all else. It has been an honor to work with him to date; Dale Earnhardt Inc. is lucky to have him at the helm."
Michael Hand Sr. -Manager, Consumer Promotions & Sports Marketing
Max's life story is both inspirational and instructional. His success speaks to the limitless possibilities available if you are open to new opportunities and continue to learn and grow. All of us in attendance left his presentation with a renewed sense of pride and a rejuvenated spirit."
Andre Goodlett, Sr. Director, Diversity & Inclusion, The Hershey Company
"Max Siegel was one of the best corporate speakers we have had in my time with Hershey's. His story was both relevant and uplifting to employees across our organization. We would love to have him again in the future."
Gordon Washington, Senior Associate Brand Manager -Sugar Confections
“Max Siegel’s life really “is” the American dream. He overcame adversity in his early private life to become one of the most talented people in business today! Siegel has been a trailblazer from the time he hit the corporate pavement. From scholar to corporate lawyer to record company executive to, currently, the keeper of one of the most hallowed names in sports Siegel continues to prove he is a winner! It would be too easy to wrap Max’s accomplishments in racial terms. Yes, he has broken down barriers over his career. But, it is not only Max’s race that makes his story unique. It is also the fact that he embodies the drive, determination and gumption that creates a champ. Max Siegel in his career and life is a champion! “
Ed Gordon, Host Our World/ Black Enterprises
"Having Max speak at Eli Lilly was like a breath of fresh air. He was engaging, informative, real and down to earth. He did a wonderful job! Max really knows how to pack the house! WOW! Everyone is still talking about him and buzzing his name around. I already have Senior Management calling me to bring Max in again for Diversity Month this year!”
Anita Torres –President, African American Affinity Group, Eli Lilly
“September 12, 2007 Max Siegel, of DEI, delivered a luncheon speech for the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Minority Business Development’s Minorities & Women in Business Luncheon. Max’s delivery was motivating and informative as he capsulated his growing up in Indianapolis, his educational pursuits, and how faith and preparation landed him the position of Vice President Zamba Label Group and Zamba Gospel and later President of Global Operations for Dale Earnhardt, Incorporated.
Max’s relaxed style of delivery resembled a one on one conversation with an old friend about life’s trials and tribulations, overcoming, and maintaining equilibrium. His delivery was relevant and held the attention of the audience. Hardly a week passes that someone doesn’t recall his thought provoking presentation.”
Douglas Jones, Vice President, Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce/Executive Director, The Small Business Resource Center
“Max Siegel has an extraordinary knowledge and experience that affects the lives and livelihoods of many. A chance to equip tomorrow’s leaders is sacred ground - a proud privilege. I am proud to share that ground with Max Siegel.”
Bishop TD Jakes, CEO, TD Jakes Enterprises
DALE EARNHARDT, INC. NAMES TOP SONY/BMG EXECUTIVE MAX SIEGEL PRESIDENT OF GLOBAL OPERATIONS
Mooresville, NC (December 14, 2006) — Teresa Earnhardt, CEO of Dale Earnhardt, Inc., announced today the appointment of Max Siegel as President of Global Operations. In what will be an unprecedented move for the motor sports industry, the Zomba Label Group/Sony/BMG executive will oversee marketing, promotion, sales, sponsorship and distribution for all Dale Earnhardt, Inc. properties including the company’s top-rated motorsports teams, airlines, licensing and auto dealership, as well as the Dale Earnhardt Foundation. Siegel brings over 15 years of deal brokering and project management experience to the company established by Dale and Teresa Earnhardt in 1980.
“Max Siegel has the intuitive sense of what works and is innovative in an ever-changing business and social climate,” said Teresa Earnhardt. “We are excited about him joining our team and what his leadership means for the future of Dale Earnhardt, Inc.”
“I am honored by this opportunity, and though I have enjoyed great success in the music business, I am thrilled to join this dynamic organization,” said Max Siegel. “ Dale Earnhardt, Inc. is a company with strong core values and a legacy of excellence in sports and in business, and I look forward to winning more championships with them and working to further cement Dale Earnhardt, Inc. as the leader in the motorsports and entertainment industry.”
With an extraordinary track record as an accomplished sports and entertainment attorney, entertainment executive, author and television and film producer, Max Siegel is one of the most influential executives in the entertainment industry. Siegel most recently held dual positions as Senior Vice President of Sony/BMG’s Zomba Label Group and President of Zomba Gospel, the largest Gospel music company in the world. As part of Sony/BMG’s President’s Council that oversees the company’s global management strategies, Siegel was also on the executive team that produced pop stars like Britney Spears, Usher, Justin Timberlake, and R. Kelly.
An Indianapolis native and cum laude graduate of the University of Notre Dame Law School, Siegel has presided over the legal affairs of several Fortune 500 corporations, as well as professional sports, entertainment individuals and organizations. Siegel’s legal expertise and business acumen has afforded him the reputation as a “win-win attorney” among his peers, and he played a major role in the shaping of such sports figures as Tony Gwynn and Reggie White. His legal knowledge has earned him the opportunity to serve in various leadership positions within high-profile professional organizations such as The American Bar Association, The New York and Indiana State Bar Association, Gospel Heritage Foundation and The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
Dale Earnhardt, Inc., (DEI) based in Mooresville, NC, employs over 300 people in its state-of-the-art headquarters. DEI owns a NASCAR Busch team and three NASCAR Nextel Cup racing teams, featuring drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr., Paul Menard and Martin Truex Jr. The team has amassed over 100 wins, and has won 6 NASCAR Championships, as well as three Daytona 500’s.
The Dale Earnhardt Foundation is the cornerstone of the Dale Earnhardt Legacy Program and will carry on Dale’s name and good works through charitable causes he supported during his lifetime, including those in the children’s and educational areas, as well as wildlife preservation.
DALE EARNHARDT INC.’S MAX SIEGEL TO BE HONORED BY THE FOUNDATION FOR ETHNIC UNDERSTANDING AT NEW YORK SPRING BENEFIT ON MARCH 8, 2007
New York, NY (March 6, 2007) —The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding will honor Max Siegel, President of Global Operations for Dale Earnhardt Inc., on Thursday, March 8th, 2007 during their annual New York Spring Benefit at the home of Denise Rich. During the ceremony, President Rabbi Marc Schneier and Chairman Russell Simmons will award Max Siegel the Joseph Papp Racial Harmony Award in recognition of his efforts to promote better relations between African-American and Jewish communities. “These awards mark outstanding achievement by corporate leaders who have advanced the cause of diversity and race relations,” says Rabbi Marc Schneier.
Max Siegel was recently appointed to President of Global Operations of Dale Earnhardt Inc., the top motor sports franchise in NASCAR. Siegel oversees the entire organization including competition, marketing, sales, sponsorship and distribution for all DEI’s properties including motor sports teams, licensing, promotion, business development, and the Dale Earnhardt Foundation. Before his unprecedented move from the entertainment industry to the motor sports industry, Siegel was one of the most powerful executives in the music business and held dual positions as Senior Vice President of Sony/BMG’s Zomba Label Group and President of Zomba Gospel. During his tenure at Sony BMG, Max Siegel helped the company score more #1 hits and several gold and platinum records than ever before. Siegel served on the executive team that produced top pop artists such as Britney Spears, Usher, Justin Timberlake, N’Sync and R.Kelly.
The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, under the leadership of Rabbi Marc Schneier, President, and Russell Simmons, Chairman, is a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting racial harmony and strengthening inter-group relations. The organization is committed to the belief that direct, face-to-face dialogue between ethnic communities is the most effective path towards the reduction of bigotry and the promotion of reconciliation and understanding. The Foundation, founded in 1989, has offices in New York City and Washington, DC. Past honorees include Clive Davis, Brett Ratner, Benjamin Brafman, Antonio “LA” Reid and Jay-Z, among others. For more information, visit www.ffeu.org
Dale Earnhardt, Inc., (DEI) based in Mooresville, NC, employs over 300 people in its state-of-the-art headquarters. DEI owns a NASCAR Busch team and three NASCAR Nextel Cup racing teams, featuring drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr., Paul Menard and Martin Truex Jr. The team has amassed over 100 wins, and has won 6 NASCAR Championships, as well as three Daytona 500’s.
For more information on Dale Earnhardt, Inc., please visit www.dalearnhardtinc.com.
DALE EARNHARDT INC.’S MAX SIEGEL SERVES AS PANELIST FOR THE NATIONAL BLACK MBA ASSOCIATION’S 15TH ANNUAL CORPORATE RECEPTION
New York, NY (April 4, 2007) —Max Siegel, President of Global Operations for Dale Earnhardt Inc., will be a guest panelist at the Indianapolis Chapter of the National Black MBA Association’s 15th Annual Corporate Relations Reception on Wednesday, April 11th, 2007 at 6:30PM at the NCAA Hall of Champions White River State Park, 700 W. Washington St. in Indianapolis, Indiana. After an amazing Super Bowl win, and a great year in various areas of sports for the city of Indianapolis, the National Black MBA Association organizers thought it fitting for this year’s theme to be “Opportunities in Sports Entertainment.”
Along with Max Siegel, other guest panelists include Bill Brooks (Indianapolis Colts), Kathy Jordan (Indiana Pacers), and McAllister Collins (IM Sports Services). The speakers will discuss Sports Entertainment from their respective organization’s point of view and outline the professional opportunities available and strategies for overcoming potential entry barriers.
Max Siegel was recently appointed to President of Global Operations of Dale Earnhardt Inc., the top motor sports franchise in NASCAR. Siegel oversees the entire organization including competition, marketing, sales, sponsorship and distribution for all DEI’s properties including motor sports teams, licensing, promotion, business development, and the Dale Earnhardt Foundation. Before his unprecedented move from the entertainment industry to the motor sports industry, Siegel was one of the most powerful executives in the music business and held dual positions as Senior Vice President of Sony/BMG’s Zomba Label Group and President of Zomba Gospel. During his tenure at Sony BMG, Max Siegel helped the company score more #1 hits than ever before, as well as several gold and platinum records. Siegel served on the executive team that produced top pop artists such as Britney Spears, Usher, Justin Timberlake, N’Sync and R.Kelly.
National Black MBA Association Indianapolis Chapter initiatives provide venues to share and exchange ideas on a variety of topics relevant to minority MBA students and professionals. Additionally, the NBMBAA provides exceptional networking and opportunities for exposing the NBMBAA resources and talent to the Indianapolis area community. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the NBMBAA is a not-for-profit organization comprised of more than 7,500 members and 41 chapters across the United States. The membership consists of African-Americans with MBAs, MBA students, as well as distinguished business professionals and entrepreneurs with significant business experience. Much of the organizational sponsorship is provided by major U.S. and international corporate partners.
Dale Earnhardt, Inc., (DEI) based in Mooresville, NC, employs over 300 people in its state-of-the-art headquarters. DEI owns a NASCAR Busch team and three NASCAR Nextel Cup racing teams, featuring drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr., Paul Menard and Martin Truex Jr. The team has amassed over 100 wins, and has won 6 NASCAR Championships, as well as three Daytona 500’s.
For more information on Dale Earnhardt, Inc., please visit www.dalearnhardtinc.com.
DALE EARNHARDT, INC. ANNOUNCES NEW DIVISION: THE EARNHARDT ENTERTAINMENT DIVISION
Mooresville, NC (April 19, 2007) — Max Siegel, President of Global Operations for Dale Earnhardt, Inc., announced today the formation of the Earnhardt Entertainment Division, a new entertainment division within DEI that will merge the various aspects of the entertainment industry with NASCAR.
The Earnhardt Entertainment Division will develop, produce and distribute music, film and television, visual imaging and digital content, as well as special event projects. The company will announce its plans to collaborate with major entertainment partners on several exciting projects in the upcoming months.
“We are looking forward to offering rich entertainment programming and innovative content,” said Siegel. “There’s such great synergy there and it’s our goal to bring the two entities together to enjoy a mutually-beneficial relationship while keeping our focus to connect to millions of fans.”
Dale Earnhardt, Inc., (DEI) based in Mooresville, NC, employs over 300 people in its state-of-the-art headquarters. DEI owns a NASCAR Busch team and three NASCAR Nextel Cup racing teams, featuring drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr., Paul Menard and Martin Truex Jr. The team has amassed over 100 wins, and has won 6 NASCAR Championships, as well as three Daytona 500’s.
For more information on Dale Earnhardt, Inc., please visit www.dalearnhardtinc.com.

Archived Press Releases
Click on the document names listed below to view Max Seigel's older press clips.
- Indianapolis Business Journal (Pt2) (Feb. 5, 2007)
- Indianapolis Star Tribune Gossip (Mar. 18, 2007)
- Nascar Scene (Aug. 2, 2007)
- Sirius NASCAR Radio (Jan. 3, 2007)
- USA Today (Feb. 12, 2007)
- USA Today (Apr. 9, 2007)
- USA Today (Jun. 19, 2007)
- USA Today (Jul. 27, 2007)
- USA Today (Apr. 27-29, 2007)
- Wall Street Journal (Dec. 14, 2006)




