D.C. United has announced the naming of Tom Hunt as the club’s new Chief Operating Officer. Hunt assumes the reins from Michael Williamson, who has been named Chief Financial Officer of D.C. United sister club F.C. Internazionale Milano.
“Tom will serve and strengthen D.C. United during a dynamic time in the club’s history,” D.C. United co-owner Jason Levien said. “He has a wealth of experience in professional sports and entertainment, which is crucial as soccer continues to undergo radical growth, along with an extensive background in commercial revenue and maximizing venue opportunities.”
“I am thrilled at the chance to lead D.C. United, which is a proud force in Major League Soccer and a respected presence in the District,” said Hunt. “There is great promise ahead in the 2014 season, and the plans for a new stadium at Buzzard Point give the club a chance to solidify its legacy as a part of this great city.”
Hunt joins D.C. United from Monumental Sports & Entertainment, where he has been the senior vice president of corporate partnerships since April 2011. Hunt was responsible for sponsorship initiatives for all of the properties under the Monumental Sports umbrella, including the Washington Capitals, Wizards, Mystics, Verizon Center, Kettler Capitals Iceplex and Monumental Network.
Prior to Monumental Sports, Hunt spent five years with the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, where he led corporate sponsorship and premium seating revenue efforts. He was key in the negotiation of a naming-rights deal for Power Balance Pavilion.
Hunt also spent nearly 12 years with Turner Broadcasting brands in Atlanta and New York City, serving in various sales and marketing capacities with World Championship Wrestling, Cartoon Network, TBS and TNT. He graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a degree in psychology. Hunt then began his career in ticket sales with the Oakland Athletics prior to earning his master’s degree in sports administration from Ohio University.
