The New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets are looking to hire their third marketing chief in less than a year following the recent resignation of Tim Hinchey.
 |
| Hinchey |
Hinchey had joined the Hornets in October as senior vice president of corporate development. He was replacing Tim McDougall, who was hired by the Hornets in February 2005 but left the club after Hurricane Katrina forced the franchise to relocate to Oklahoma City.
Front-office changes for the Hornets have not been limited to the sales department this season. Former general manager Allan Bristow resigned on Oct. 1, and Harold Kaufman, the team’s longtime public relations director, left his job with the club in August.
Hinchey, who worked for the Sacramento Kings before taking the Hornets job, could not be reached for comment. A team official confirmed his resignation, but Hornets President Paul Mott did not return calls for further comment. No replacement has been named.
Hinchey helped the Hornets secure at least $7.5 million in revenue this season through creation of a “Pioneer” sponsorship level for the team. That effort called for getting five companies to pay $1.5 million each for the shared promotion, which provides for presenting sponsor status for the Hornets season.
The Hornets have thrived at the gate since moving to Oklahoma City, averaging 17,930 fans per game at the 19,000-seat Ford Center, up 28 percent from last season’s average at New Orleans Arena. Team officials already have announced plans to play 35 regular-season games next season in Oklahoma, with the balance of their six remaining home games returning to New Orleans.
