After an exhaustive multi national quest, the MLS team in Vancouver has secured their CEO, Mark Pannes, he will lord over all business sides of the team and answer straight to the owner.
Team co-owner & exec. chair, Jeff Mallett informed "Today we are very pleased to add a skilled and experienced new member to our executive leadership team. Together, Mark & Axel will lead the club to achive its goals on and off the pitch."
Pannes stated "This club has an incredible history, in an exceptional city, and I'm excited to work with all the passionate indivduals involved with the Whitecaps FC. I can't wait to get started."
Before entering the business world, Mark secured his BS in Speech Communicatoin at TX Uni. Austin, and his juris doctorate at the Fordham University School of Law.
At a glance, the career of Pannes:
-Managing Partner, Union Sports-Pvt. consultant for domestic and int'l sports and media on the growth of platforms and fanbases 2016-'19
-6 yrs, AS Roma, CEO, Pres. of IP lisc., CEO & project lead for Stadio della Roma 2011-'16
-Dir. Global Sports HSBC Pvt. Bank, London. Managed $1.45 BIl. for over 500 atheltes and groups in soccer, F1, rugby,, tennis, golf, cricket, Americas Cup & Olympics 2006-2011.
-10yrs. NY Knicks 3 as VP, marketing all ticket and sponship funds and brand mgt. for team, Last 9 years sold every seat, began 1st team set HD broadcasts and WNBA NY LIberty, 3X champion game 1990-2000.
-Principal lecturer of the business of sports & media at Univ. TX Austin and founding chair UT Center for Sports Communication & Media board, major sports properties, emerging media rights & distribution plans.
Credit: Vancouver Whitecaps.