The Union shook up their front office on Wednesday, hiring Philadelphia native Tim McDermott as the club's new chief business officer. He will be in charge of business operations for the Union and USL affiliate, Bethlehem Steel.
"I am very excited to welcome Tim McDermott to the Union," Union chairman Jay Sugarman said. "We were targeting someone with a very strategic and competitive mindset, who understands and relates to the Philadelphia fan base, and has an incredible work ethic and character.
McDermott, brother of Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott, previously worked as the chief marketing officer for the Eagles and Washington Capitals. He most recently held the title of chief marketing and innovation officer for the Sixers.
"Tim's experience in the NFL, the NBA, and the NHL, coupled with his knowledge of the Philadelphia market, will enable him to serve as a tremendous business leader for the Union," Sugarman said. "With Tim and Earnie Stewart, the Union's sporting director, I believe we have assembled a dynamic leadership team that should help position the Union for success both on and off the pitch."
McDermott follows former Union CEO and operating partner Nick Sakiewicz, who parted ways with the team last October, and Dave Rowan, executive vice president and chief revenue officer, who took over business operations for Sakiewicz in the interim.
Rowan is still with the club at this time, according to the team.
"Since their inception, the Union have built an incredibly strong brand based on a soccer community in the Philadelphia region that is second to none," McDermott said. "I love the passion, strength, and energy of Union fans. We will challenge ourselves every day to positively represent the brand, to live the values that Philadelphia is founded upon, and to provide our fans with the greatest experience in soccer. I am truly looking forward to joining the Union and working towards this vision."
