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It was announced in a press conference on Thursday afternoon that John Walker will be joining the Houston Dynamo and Dash front office as the President of Business Operations.
Walker has spent the last three years as the Executive Vice President for Business Operations with the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies. He also has worked in Major League Baseball, college athletics and with third-party ticketing companies. This job will be his first time entering the world of soccer.
“I’m proud to welcome John Walker to the Houston Dynamo and Dash. He is a highly respected leader in the sports industry whose breadth and depth of experience in multiple sports, leagues, and areas of the business will help our club continue to grow,” Team owner Gabriel Brener said about the hire. “He has proven the ability to not only generate tremendous financial results, but to build a team-focused culture that leads to success across an organization. His energy, enthusiasm and ideas will help drive our club forward, and I am excited to begin this new chapter in our club’s history.”
Walker joins the club with the departure of team President Chris Canetti. Last Friday it was announced that Canetti would be leaving the club to join Houston’s bid to host the World Cup. Following the announcement Brener said that the club would be hiring a Chief Business Officer in his place.
“I’m humbled to have the opportunity to build upon the legacy that Oliver Luck started and Chris Canetti developed with the Dynamo and Dash organization. The club has made an incredible impact on the soccer community locally, nationally and internationally and has developed a loyal and passionate fan base,” Walker said. “Mr. Brener and the ownership group are committed to building a winning team, growing the fanbase and continuing that legacy. The future is promising on all fronts and I’m excited to get started.”
As President of Business Operations, Walker will oversee business operations for the Dynamo and Dash as well as BBVA Compass Stadium and Houston Sports Park. He will also be responsible for maintaining the existing relationships with the Dynamo-Dash Youth Club, Rio Grande Valley FC and the Brazos Valley Cavalry.