Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres
When Caroline Perry was elevated to chief operating officer for the San Diego Padres in December, she became the highest-ranking woman in franchise history. Only former owner Joan Kroc ever held a higher post within the organization. The significance manifested itself, among many other ways, in Perry getting stopped by a fan in the mall.
“They said they’d seen the article in the paper about it and said, ‘I just think this is so great, that you’re in this role and an example for women. And I have daughters, so it’s great for them to see you too,’” Perry recalled. “I’ve just been really moved by the response of the community to me being in this role.”
Perry is in her 13th season with the Padres. She’s been involved in several large-scale projects for the club, including its development project at Tailgate Park, negotiations with the city of San Diego surrounding the 2016 All-Star Game and the management of Petco Park, and the sale of the team to current owner Peter Seidler in 2012. Previously the Padres’ general counsel and executive vice president of business administration, she is one of only two women to hold the title of COO across the MLB team ranks, the other being Marti Wronski of the Milwaukee Brewers who is also a member of this year’s Game Changers class. Since stepping into her new role, Perry has added responsibility for overseeing the Padres’ ballpark operations department and business strategy team.
“She’s universally respected because she’s done the work. Year in and year out, she’s proven her ability as an executive,” said Padres CEO Erik Greupner, whose first hire upon joining the organization was Perry. “And so it’s really satisfying to see her get the opportunity and to see her set a historical mark within our franchise.”— Erik Bacharach
Caroline Perry
Chief Operating Officer, San Diego Padres
Born: San Diego
Education: Stanford University, B.A., human biology; Columbia University School of Law, J.D.
Family: Spouse, Adam Ith; children, Adeline (9) and Amelia (7)
More about Caroline
Something that instantly makes my day better: A hug from my husband.
Advice to my younger self: Everything is a relationship business. Making time for others will pay dividends in ways you could never expect.
Biggest career risk: Making the jump from a law firm to work in sports.
Proudest professional achievement: Getting beer hawking legalized in California (achieved in 2017, almost 40 years after California stopped allowing it at sports venues).
Person in sports business I’d most like to meet: Serena Williams. Not only is she the GOAT, but she is a tremendously smart businesswoman and an advocate for other women.
