Former Andretti Sports Marketing principals launch new marketing group

John Lopes and Starke Taylor – former owners of Andretti Sports Marketing along with Michael Andretti – have announced the formation of a new Indianapolis-based sports marketing group, along with a new partner.

According to its release, LST Marketing will offer creative services, automotive retail marketing, sponsorship activation and hospitality management as well as in-house marketing analytics capabilities.

Taylor will serve as president of LST Marketing and is responsible for day-to-day operations from LST Marketing's Indianapolis headquarters. Taylor brings over 20 years of professional sports marketing and business experience to LST Marketing, including directing the sports marketing efforts for Phillips Van-Heusen in New York.

"This is a very exciting time for our dedicated staff and our clients. Our expanded services will open new opportunities in the experiential marketing space as well as sports marketing, business and entertainment," said Taylor.

"LST Marketing marks a new beginning for our team of experienced and creative professionals," said Lopes, who will serve as CEO of LST Marketing. "Our vision is to develop innovative marketing and event solutions for our clients. We've been overwhelmed with goodwill from our business relationships and we are committed to fostering an environment where experience, creativity and flawless execution direct our clients' excellence."

In addition to the launch of its new brand, the ownership group of Lopes and Taylor announced a new partner in the business. "We are honored to welcome longtime utility industry executive, John Herron, to our ownership. His expertise in building industry leaders is an incredible asset to our team of professionals and clients. We are excited to have John Herron as a part of LST Marketing ownership," said Lopes.

Herron previously served as the CEO, president and chief nuclear officer of Mississippi-based Entergy Nuclear until 2013 and currently serves on the board of directors for Duke Energy and Ontario Power.