Chivas USA names Hunter as Leon's replacement

Soccer Betting Lines

09/12/2007 - Carson, CA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Major League Soccer's CD Chivas USA announced that Shawn Hunter has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of Chivas USA Enterprises, LLC, Chivas USA's parent company. With a 20-year track record in ticket sales and corporate partnerships, and hands-on experience with start-up sports franchises, Hunter takes over the day-to-day operation of MLSs three-year-old Mexican-owned, Los Angeles-based club.

"We are excited today to present Shawn Hunter, one of the most recognized sports businessmen in this country, as our new President and CEO," Chivas USA Co-Owner Antonio Cue said. "I am confident that, with the addition of Shawn to both our front office team and our ownership group, Chivas USA will continue its ascent towards the upper echelons of the soccer landscape in the United States."

Hunter joins Chivas USA from AEG, one of the worlds leading sports and entertainment presenters, where for five years he held the dual titles of Chief Marketing Officer and President, AEG Sports. In the latter role, Hunter oversaw AEGs marquee sports events and eleven sports teams worldwide - including MLS's Los Angeles Galaxy and Houston Dynamo - as well as the companys marketing partnership with Chivas USA.

"Words can't describe how excited I am about this newest challenge in my career," Hunter said. "Since I first began working with Chivas USA on behalf of AEG three years ago, I have been captivated by the passion of this organization and the intense devotion of both its fans and players. I know that Chivas USA has only begun to realize its tremendous potential and though I know it will be a process I look forward to helping take this club to the next level. I can't wait to get to work."

Hunter replaces the recently fired Javier Leon, who left the position, "to pursue other endeavors, including the prospect of outside projects with Cue," according to Chivas USA. While the Goats have made great strides on the field since their inaugural season, ticket sales and corporate sponsorship has been near the bottom of the league, which Hunter will be responsible for correcting.

The 44-year-old Hunter brings a proven track record in successfully launching fledgling sports organizations. Prior to joining AEG, Hunter was for six years the President of the NHLs Phoenix Coyotes. Under his leadership, in the Coyotes' first four seasons, the club played to a 94-percent capacity (including 69 sellouts).

Hunter joined the Coyotes from the Colorado Avalanche in 1996. As the clubs executive vice president, Hunter's first achievement was reaching a cap of 12,000 season ticket sales in just under six weeks - before the team even had a name. He was instrumental in creating and implementing the Avalanche team colors and logo as well as the logo for the Denver Nuggets. His initiatives and team merchandising efforts resulted in a Top 10 placement among NBA teams on an international level for licensed apparel sales.

Since joining AEG in 2002, Hunter has also been influential in a number of major business developments in MLS. As one of AEGs representatives on MLSs Board of Directors, Hunter played a role in the formulation of the Designated Player Rule, which opened the doors for the arrival of such international stars, during the 2007 MLS season.

In addition, for the past five years Hunter has chaired - and will continue to chair - the MLS Business Development Committee, which has recently approved such important initiatives as the sponsorship of MLS jersey fronts and the guaranteed distribution of every single MLS game via local television.

"Since Chivas USA was founded in 2004, we have managed, in just three short years, to turn Chivas USA from the leagues last-place team to a team that, this Thursday night at The Home Depot Center, will looks to claim first place in the Western Conference with a win against the L.A. Galaxy," Cue said. "Now, the time is right for us to build upon our successes in corporate sponsorship, merchandising and commercial rights and continue to improve our front office."