The Cardinals have hired former Blue Jays exec Anuk Karunaratne to be SVP/Business Operations entering what ownership has called a “'big year' for the club on the field and just as sizeable for the club in the seats and on the television,” according to Derrick Goold of the ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH. In the role, Karunaratne will "lead corporate sales, marketing and game-day entertainment" as well as "guiding the team’s business analytics and strategic planning initiatives." He also will "oversee the team’s broadcast partnership." Karunaratne spent the past seven years with the Blue Jays, rising from an SVP role working in strategy and analytics to, most recently, being the Blue Jays’ EVP/Baseball Operations. Karunaratne, a member of SBJ's 2023 Forty Under 40 class, was credited with “enhancing the fan experience at the Blue Jays’ renovated ballpark” as well as “guiding the organization and its operations through the COVID-19 pandemic.” With the Cardinals, Karunaratne will "take on many of the responsibilities last handled by Dan Farrell." The longtime Cardinals exec retired this past season after four decades with the club. The Cardinals used search firm TurnkeyZRG (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 1/31).
