COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Monday, December 12, 2011) – The Colorado Rapids announced Monday that Tim Hinchey has been named the new President of the Major League Soccer franchise.

Hinchey, who has served as the Rapids’ Chief Marketing Officer since November 20, 2010, has more than 20 years of experience in professional sports, including several senior-level management positions in the English Premier League, English Football League Championship and the National Basketball Association.

“It’s truly an honor to take this role with the Rapids,” said Hinchey. “I want to thank Stan Kroenke, Josh Kroenke and Jim Martin for this opportunity and for their confidence. The Rapids have a great foundation, and I’m looking forward to helping the team build on its recent successes on and off the field. We are only a year removed from an MLS Cup and everyone in the organization is committed to bringing another championship to Colorado.”

“Tim is well deserving of this promotion, and we’re excited for him to step into the role,” said Jim Martin, President and Chief Executive Officer at Kroenke Sports & Entertainment. “He brings invaluable experience to the position, as well as a tremendous passion for the sport of soccer. We are confident that he’ll help the Rapids continue to succeed on and off the field.”

Prior to joining the Rapids, Hinchey served for three years as Vice President, Commercial for Derby County Football Club, which played in the English Premier League and English Football League Championship during his time with the team. As a club Director and member of the board, Hinchey attended all the team’s matches and oversaw strategy for all commercial activities for the club, including sponsorship, ticket sales, marketing, public relations, and broadcasting.

Hinchey also brings extensive experience from the NBA, having served as the Executive Vice President of Business Operations for the Charlotte Bobcats, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets, and Director of Strategic Alliances for Maloof Sports & Entertainment, whose properties included Arco Arena, Sacramento Kings (NBA), Sacramento Monarchs (WNBA) and Sacramento Knights (MISL/CISL), among others.

Hinchey, who is on the Colorado Board of the American Diabetes Association, is a graduate of the University of California, Irvine, and lives in Denver with his wife and six children.