St. Louis Blues Announce Chris Zimmerman as New President, CEO of Business Operations

Jun 16, 2014

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(Photo: saintlouissports.com)

On Monday, St. Louis Blues Chairman Tom Stillman announced the appointment of Chris Zimmerman as the franchise’s new President and CEO of Business Operations. Zimmerman will also be responsible for the Scottrade Center and for the Blues’ role in the Peabody Opera House. He replaces Bruce Affleck, who will now serve as Executive Vice President for the Blues organization.

Zimmerman comes to the Blues with an extensive and prolific background in sports, marketing, and business management. He played hockey at the University of Vermont and was an assistant hockey coach at Babson College while working toward his MBA. Zimmerman then spent the earlier part of his business career with Saatchi & Saatchi, a leading advertising agency, and later with Nike, where he rose to become President and CEO of Nike Bauer Hockey in 2003.

From 2006 to 2009, he served as President, CEO, and Alternate Governor of the Vancouver Canucks. Under Zimmerman, the franchise saw an upswing in new revenue streams and expanded its presence online and within the community. While with the Canucks, Zimmerman was also named to the NHL’s Business Advisory Council.

Recently, Zimmerman has been serving as President of Easton Sports in addition to running his own consulting business and working as a member of the Los Angeles Kings‘ Business Advisory Group.

“I am thrilled with the opportunity to join the St. Louis Blues and to contribute to the club’s storied history,” he said. “I feel especially fortunate to be coming on board at a time of tremendous progress and momentum for the Blues. I can’t wait to start working with everyone in the Blues organization, as well as fans, corporate partners, and the rest of the community, as we continue building a championship-caliber franchise.”

The Blues finished second in the Central division this season with a record of 52-23-7 but fell to the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round of the playoffs after six evenly-matched games.

“[Zimmerman] has a passion for the game of hockey and a commitment to building great organizations,” said Stillman. “I am confident he will drive our business forward as we continue to pursue a Stanley Cup for St. Louis.”