SOUNDERS FC: New President

SOUNDERS PRESS RELEASE:

Paul G. Allen Announces New Seahawks, Sounders FC, First & Goal President

Renton, Wash. - Paul G. Allen today announced the appointment of Peter McLoughlin as president of the Seattle Seahawks, Sounders FC and First & Goal Inc.


McLoughlin will assume responsibility for all business operations, sales and marketing, sponsorship, administration and operations of Seattle's football and soccer franchises. As president of First & Goal, he will oversee management of Qwest Field and Event Center, and WaMu Theater.

"Peter is a bright, proven leader who believes as I do that the fans always come first and understands the importance of community," Allen said. "He is experienced in all aspects of the business side of sports.

"Peter joins a very capable leadership team with General Manager John Schneider and Executive Vice President of Football Operations & Head Coach Pete Carroll. He is the best fit for the job to continue the growth of the Seahawks and Sounders FC."

Allen is the sole owner of the Seahawks and a minority owner of the Sounders FC, the MLS team now in its second season.

As president of the Seahawks, McLoughlin will report to Allen and be in charge of all financial and business operations of the team. Schneider and Carroll report to Allen for football operations and to McLoughlin for budgetary and finance issues.

McLoughlin replaces Tod Leiweke, who after seven years leading Allen's sports operations announced in July he was becoming a part-owner and executive of the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning. Leiweke participated in the search for his replacement.

Most recently, McLoughlin served as chief executive officer of St. Louis Blues Enterprises, which encompasses all business operations of the NHL Blues and Scottrade Center; including sales, marketing and finance.

During his tenure in St. Louis, the Blues saw dramatic increases in season ticket and sponsorship sales and television ratings. In the ESPN Fan Satisfaction Ratings, the Blues went from 63rd to 14th among all U.S. pro sports teams.

He has also been active in the St. Louis community. He led fundraising for the United Way and The Fourteen Fund, served on the board of directors for the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association, Regional Business Council, Boy Scouts of the Greater St. Louis Area and the St. Louis Sports Commission.

McLoughlin is a graduate of Harvard University. He and his wife, Kelly, have five children.

Reach Jane Gershovich at janegphotography@gmail.com