MiLB "has hired" former MLS Senior VP/Global Sponsorship DAVID WRIGHT as its new CMO and Chief Commercial Officer, marking the "start of another phase in the affiliated minors' developing national sponsorship efforts," according to Eric Fisher of SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL. Wright "starts today," assuming the role previously held by MICHAEL HAND, who was at MiLB for two years and "helped launch the property's Project Brand initiative." Wright "will relocate" from N.Y. to MiLB's HQ in St. Petersburg, where he "will report" to MiLB President & CEO PAT O'CONNER. O'Conner said of Wright, "He's sold a major sports property nationally and internationally and gives us a ton of experience, and somebody who is very professional, very polished." Fisher notes MiLB "used search firm Eastman & Beaudine of Plano, Texas, to aid with the selection process." Wright "branded the MiLB job as 'the next great opportunity' in his career development after taking a five-month break following his departure from MLS" (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 1/11 issue).
