Executive Transactions

The Hurricanes promoted Dir of Player Development RON FRANCIS to Assistant GM, replacing JASON KARMANOS, the son of Owner PETER KARMANOS, who resigned last month. Francis played 16 seasons with the franchise (Hurricanes)....The MLB Rangers promoted Exec Dir to the President JIM SUNDBERG to Exec VP/Communications & PR. Sundberg will act as a liaison between the Rangers’ Arlington offices and Owner TOM HICKS' Dallas office. Sundberg does not have any experience in media relations but “he has worked on all sides of the baseball operation” (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 10/3)....Palace Sports & Entertainment (PS&E) named LARRY THOMPSON VP/Sponsorship Development (PS&E)....The MLS Earthquakes named JOHN DOYLE GM. Doyle is a former U.S. national player who served as an assistant coach for the previous version of the Earthquakes (CONTRA COSTA TIMES, 10/4)....The Braves named ConocoPhillips Sports Marketing Manager HILL SCOTT Dir of Marketing (Braves)....The MLS United placed SEAN HOOPER into an inside sales exec position (Game Face).

EXECS: MICHAEL LAKE has been named President of WWE Films, replacing JOEL SIMON.  Lake, who will report to WWE Chair VINCE MCMAHON, was an exec producer on "The Condemned," one of three films the company has produced (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, 10/5)....Outdoor Channel named SCOTT MANN as VP/Outdoor Affinity Marketing (CABLEFAX DAILY, 10/5)....The Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) named TOM JACOBS Associate Commissioner of Business Affairs. Previously, Jacobs served as NCAA Dir of Championships (CCHA)....The Charles Town Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association named LENNY HALE Exec Dir (BLOODHORSE.com, 10/2)....SportsMark Management Group named EVERETT JACOBS Dir of Strategic Marketing. Previously, Jacobs supervised client accounts and managed all program operations and personnel for BRC Group (SportsMark).

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