MLS CMO HOWARD HANDLER is "leaving the league Nov. 1," according to Terry Lefton in this week's SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL. Handler, who has been CMO since January '12, said that he has "no definitive plans but wants to move on to something more entrepreneurial, and a position where he can head an organization." Handler said, "I’m looking for a bigger leadership role and to challenge myself by running and building a business. I’m looking to do something where I can build and lead. It’s a transformational time at the intersection of sport, media and technology, and that’s a space I’m looking at hard.” MLS Commissioner DON GARBER "lauded Handler’s overall contributions in growing the league’s digital and social content, and he especially noted the MLS leaguewide rebrand" in '14 for its 20th season (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 10/2 issue).
THE KING OF THE NORTH: MLS has hired DIEGO MORATORIO as MLS Canada GM, a new position for the league. Based in Toronto, Moratorio will be responsible for growing the fanbase of the league in Canada, as well as increasing sponsorship in the country, both at the league and club level. He will also work with the league's Canadian broadcast partners, TSN and TVA Sports, as well as with the three Canadian MLS clubs. Moratorio was most recently Coca-Cola Canada Dir of Marketing. He will report to SUM President KATHY CARTER, and will begin his new role today (Ian Thomas, Staff Writer).
