PRESS RELEASES

Major League Rugby Appoints George Killebrew as Commissioner

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, December 9, 2019 – Turnkey Search is pleased to have assisted Major League Rugby (MLR) on the hiring of their new Commissioner, George Killebrew. As Commissioner, Mr. Killebrew will be responsible for driving the league’s vision, overall commercial and operational management and shall work on creating and growing key relationships with internal and external stakeholders that will drive the success and future growth of MLR. Mr. Killebrew will also work directly with the 12 current teams to drive commercial success both nationally and locally.

In MLR’S Press Release, Killebrew was quoted as saying, “I plan to build upon the groundwork that the MLR has laid in its first two seasons and use the third season to cement the League in the professional sports market. I will be working towards building ticket sales and sponsorships revenues and developing the very best media platform possible as we continue to help grow rugby participation across North America.”

Killebrew brings with him over 27 years of experience from the Dallas Mavericks including his tenure as the Chief Revenue Officer/Executive Vice President. During his time with the organization he developed and implemented strategic marketing and sales plans that culminated in over $500 million in sponsorship sales. The newest member of MLR holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Edwin L. Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University.

“George Killebrew has the right experience, temperament and tenacity to be successful as Commissioner for Major League Rugby. His thorough understanding of local and national sports sponsorship coupled with his marketing & ticketing background will pay dividends immediately for MLR,” said Rick Alessandri, Managing Director of Turnkey Search, a division of Turnkey Sports & Entertainment. “Thank you to the MLR Executive Committee for engaging Turnkey Search on this critical role.”

The former Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Sidekicks executive has a proven track record of success in North American sports which will help to continue to accelerate rugby as one of the fastest growing sports in the United States and Canada, and as one of the most popular sports in the world. MLR is an initiative driven by private investors who believe that North American rugby can thrive at the highest levels: as a commercial business; as an influential player on the international scene; and as a supporter of the sport at the youth and senior levels. Mr. Killebrew will work closely with founding Commissioner Dean Howes on a transition plan as the league office will be moving to Dallas, TX. MLR’s third season begins in February 2020.

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