Palumbo will join Kentucky alongside Batt as its deputy CEO of Champions Blue, the school's athletics fundraising arm, similar to Spartan Ventures.

Palumbo and Batt have a history that predates their time in East Lansing. The two worked together at Georgia Tech before Batt hired Palumbo to join him at MSU in July 2025. Palumbo became MSU Athletics' chief operating officer and later took over as CEO of Spartan Ventures.

Following Palumbo’s departure, MSU will conduct a national search for a permanent Spartan Ventures CEO. Chief Business Officer Eric Reinke will serve as interim CEO during the search.

Deputy Athletic Director Jen Smith will assume oversight of Palumbo’s units within the athletic department, while MSU Athletic Director Dan Bartholomae will serve as the primary sport administrator for football.

“We all owe Jon a great deal of gratitude for the positive impact he has made on Michigan State Athletics,” Bartholomae said in a statement. “I am particularly appreciative of the efforts Jon has made to orient me on Spartan Ventures and his partnership in working to make my transition to campus a successful one.”

Bartholomae added that Spartan Ventures, which officially launched July 1, still has work to do as MSU moves toward full implementation.

“The structure and staff remain in place to boldly move forward even during a period of transition,” Bartholomae said.

Palumbo briefly led the athletic department for a month. Bartholomae succeeded him and was hired as MSU’s permanent athletic director in August.

Palumbo played a key role in the rollout of Spartan Ventures, MSU’s new athletics-focused revenue and fundraising organization. It was created as part of the department’s efforts to increase revenue and resources for MSU Athletics amid changes in the college sports landscape.

In Kentucky's press release, Batt said he's "excited" to bring on Palumbo while noting his experience in the industry.

"Jon is one of the most respected leaders in our industry and someone I trust deeply," Batt said. "He brings a unique combination of strategic vision, operational excellence and experience leading athletic departments at the highest level."

Palumbo said in Kentucky's release he is "honored" to be a part of one of the "premier universities and athletic departments in the nation."

Before leaving for Kentucky, Palumbo also served as a prominent face of MSU’s new commercial strategy. In June, he represented the athletic department when MSU and Michigan State University Federal Credit Union announced a jersey-patch partnership that placed MSUFCU branding on the uniforms of every Spartan varsity sport.

MSU Board of Trustees Chair Brianna Scott told The State News MSU will be discussing its search for a new CEO of Spartan Ventures later today. She said that Palumbo is a "loss," adding, "We certainly are going to miss him."

"The knowledge that he brought to this position and depth of understanding of what we were trying to do and where we were trying to go, obviously is something that is going to create a gap," Scott said.