Chip Bowers, previously of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, has been hired as the new president of business operations for the Miami Marlins.
In a hiring that was announced on Monday, Bowers joins the Marlins after serving a five-year tenure as the Warriors chief marketing officer. His selection to the position is notable on a few fronts for the Marlins, who are months into their new ownership regime.
Bowers represents, to this point, one of the most significant hires on the business operations side by new Marlins CEO Derek Jeter. In addition, his background in working on corporate naming-rights agreements for major sport facilities should make him a strong fit for the Marlins, who are expected to pursue a naming rights sponsor for Marlins Park. More from The Sun-Sentinel:
“This organization’s leadership and commitment to building sustainable success, with a focus on re-engaging their corporate and community partners, made this a very easy decision,” Bowers said in a statement. “I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and working diligently to deliver a championship-caliber experience of which South Florida can be proud.”
Among Bowers’ apparent specialties is securing naming-rights deals for sports venues. He did so while with the Warriors (past five years), working on a sponsorship agreement, including naming rights, to the Warriors’ new arena, the Chase Center. And while with the Orlando Magic (2008-12), he helped orchestrate the naming of the team’s Amway Center.
Selling the naming rights to Marlins Park — which could bring in millions of dollars annually, revenue the Marlins have missed out on since the stadium opened in 2012 — is among the items on Jeter’s agenda.
“Our goal is to operate a first-class organization with first-class individuals,” Jeter said in a statement. “Chip brings an immense breadth of experience, working in outstanding organizations which have achieved success both on and off the field or court of play. He is a proven leader who truly understands community and corporate partnership and client service.”
While Bowers most recently worked in the NBA, his first position in his professional sports career was as a sales executive with the San Diego Padres. According to the Marlins’ announcement, Bowers will report directly to Jeter.
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