New York City FC made their second big hire on Monday, naming former Rutgers University athletics director Tim Pernetti as chief business officer of the MLS expansion club.
Pernetti becomes NYCFC’s second major appointment after Claudio Reyna was named director of football in May. The club will begin play as Major League Soccer’s 20th team in 2015.
“The post of chief business officer attracted a significant number of high-caliber candidates, but Tim’s extensive experience in New York sports business was particularly compelling, NYCFC CEO Ferran Soriano said in a statement.
“He fits perfectly within our organization, adding different skills and talent to our existing international management group. He is the ideal person for this role and we very much look forward to the contribution that he will make.”
The 42-year-old Pernetti was a popular figure during his four-year tenure as Rutgers AD, and was instrumental in his alma mater’s big-money move to the Big Ten Conference. He resigned this past April, however, in the wake of the scandal surrounding former men’s basketball coach Mike Rice, who was fired for reportedly verbally and physically abusing his players.
At NYCFC, Pernetti will get a new chance to make his mark on a big stage as the Manchester City- and New York Yankees-backed club gets its start as an MLS organization. The New Jersey native will begin work immediately out of NYCFC’s Manhattan offices and will report directly to Soriano.
“I feel truly privileged to have been appointed to this position and to play a key role in building this club from its infancy,” Pernetti said in a statement. “I relish the opportunity to be part of a global organization, and also to use my experience to create a first-class club for New Yorkers and one in which they will always have a voice.
"This is a tremendously exciting time for all involved and interested in soccer in New York and beyond.”
