With a “focus on enhancing fan and partner engagement,” the Pittsburgh Pirates announced Wednesday the hiring of David Burke as executive vice president of sales and business development.
Burke will lead a handful of sales departments, ranging from tickets to partnerships, as well as business analytics. He has been executive vice president and chief strategy officer since 2012 for Kroenke Sports and Entertainment Group, where he oversaw sales and business strategy for the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, NBA’s Denver Nuggets, the Colorado Rapids of MLS and Colorado Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League.
Burke previously was president of the Houston Aeros, a minor-league affiliate of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild; vice president of ticket sales and service with the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes; director of season ticket sales for the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats; and also has worked for the NBA’s New Orleans Hornets and NHL’s Dallas Stars.
“David not only brings a high level of expertise and proven track record of success to his new role, but just as important, he has a personality, demeanor and work ethic that will be a perfect fit within our city,” Pirates president Travis Williams said. “He understands the importance of relationships, as well as how to deliver value to our fans and partners.”
