Official release from Vancouver Whitecaps
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that John Furlong, former chief executive officer of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), has been named executive chair of the club.
Furlong assumes his new role with Whitecaps FC effective immediately.
As executive chair and the most senior member of the club's executive team, Furlong joins president Bob Lenarduzzi, and chief operating officer Rachel Lewis, to lead the broad business operations of Whitecaps FC as the club continues its second season in Major League Soccer (MLS). Furlong will also play an active strategic role with the club's ownership group.
"The 'Caps ownership group is committed to its long-term vision of growing the club, and building and delivering a team - on and off the pitch - that our partners, supporters, and community can all be proud of," added Mallett. "We look forward to John's contributions to helping us achieve our mandate."
"Whitecaps FC have a long and rich history with a demonstrated commitment to developing and growing the thriving sport of soccer in British Columbia and Canada. I look forward to being part of this next chapter and contributing everything that I can to help all areas of the club succeed," said Furlong. "As a lifelong supporter, I know that the experience for fans at a Major League Soccer match is unique, unlike any other sport, and we have only just begun to explore its enormous potential.""Today marks another historic day for Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and on behalf of our ownership group, I am excited to welcome John to our team," said Jeff Mallett, Whitecaps FC co-owner. "Throughout his tenure at VANOC, from the bid stage through to the completion of a highly successful Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, John has become one of the most respected and recognized leaders in Canada.
