Mark O. Scoggins, who started out as a peanut vendor at the Forum and worked his way up in the Los Angeles Lakers' organization, has been hired as president of business development for Magic Johnson Enterprises.

Scoggins, 43, was senior executive director of corporate sponsorships for the Lakers and the WNBA's Sparks. He's been part of the Lakers' organization for 27 years.

"Mark and I have known each other for 25 years," Johnson said in a news release. "I saw him grow up in the Lakers organization. He's a longtime associate and friend. Mark is admired and respected in the corporate world, and he is someone who can take my company to the next level."

Scoggins will continue his work for the Lakers and Sparks for several months before phasing out his current responsibilities to concentrate fully on his new position.