Rich Hixon Named Pittsburgh Penguins Executive Director Of Strategic Planning
Published on May 5, 2010 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins News Release
WILKES-BARRE, PA - Rich Hixon, a member of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins front office since the team's inception in 1999, has been named Executive Director of Strategic Planning by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Additionally, Greg Petorak has been promoted to Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer, and Brian Coe has been promoted to Vice President of Operations for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
"The goal of every player who pulls on a Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins sweater is to move up the ranks and join the Pittsburgh Penguins. The aim is no different for any of our employees," said Jeff Barrett, Penguins CEO. "Rich has a fantastic opportunity to join the reigning Stanley Cup champions and to return to his hometown. While we are sad to see such an integral member of our team moving on, we are thrilled that he has a chance to continue his career with our parent club. We couldn't be happier for him and his family."
In his new position, Hixon will be involved with development in and around the new Consol Energy Center, as well as several new youth hockey initiatives.
Hixon joined Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in 1999, serving as the team's Vice President and Chief Operating Officer until 2004. In this capacity he was involved with all promotional and marketing plans for the team, and oversaw all revenue-generating aspects for the club. For his efforts he was named the co-recipient of the AHL's Ken McKenzie Award, given to the individuals who accomplish the most in promoting their team, in 2000.
Since 2004, Hixon has served as the team's President, where he directed all day-to-day operations for the club, including ticketing, marketing, advertising, sales and communications initiatives. He represented the Penguins as an alternate governor and served on or chaired several AHL committees, including marketing, corporate sales, team business services and all-star selection.
Hixon began his sports management career with the Pittsburgh Penguins organization in 1994, and held numerous positions during a six-year period. He served as Director of Ticket Sales with the Pittsburgh Stingers (Continental Indoor Soccer League) and the Pittsburgh Phantoms (Roller Hockey International), before being promoted to Director of Premium Seating for the Penguins in 1995. He later took over the role of Director of Corporate Sales before moving to northeast Pennsylvania.
Hixon is a 1993 graduate of Slippery Rock University with a degree in sports management. He and his wife, Allison, have three sons - Owen, 8; Zachary, 6; and Lukas, 1.
Petorak has been with the Penguins since the inaugural 1999 season, joining the team as controller before being promoted to Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 2004. In his current capacity, Petorak overseas all financial aspects of the team's multi-million dollar budget.
Coe joined Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in March of 2005, serving initially as Director of Publications. He took on Director of Communications duties prior to the 2005-06 season, and added Game Night Entertainment duties responsibilities for the 2009-10 season. In his new position, Coe will oversee all daily communications, marketing and creative aspects of the team.
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