PHOENIX -- The D-backs' search for a general manager began just under two weeks ago and ended Sunday with the hiring of Mike Hazen, a widely respected executive, who was the Red Sox's general manager last season.

Hazen's title will be executive vice president and general manager, and he will report to team president and chief executive officer Derrick Hall. An introductory news conference was held Monday at Chase Field.

Hazen beat out a group of candidates that is believed to have numbered around seven and included internal candidates Bryan Minniti and Mike Bell.

"We feel very strongly that we have found the ideal candidate to lead our baseball operations," managing general partner Ken Kendrick said. "Mike's reputation throughout the game is impeccable, and his championship experience gives us great confidence in naming him to this position."



Former chief baseball officer Tony La Russa will remain with the club in an advisory capacity.

The 40-year-old Hazen began his career as an intern in the Cleveland Indians' front office and served as the team's advance scout from 2001-02 before becoming assistant director of professional scouting and then assistant director of player development.

Hazen joined the Red Sox organization in 2006 as director of player development and rose to assistant GM in 2012. When Dave Dombrowski took over as president of baseball operations last year, GM Ben Cherington left the organization, and Hazen was promoted to take his place.

Hall spoke of searching for a lengthy resume and varied experience, akin to Hazen's, when the team announced the dismissal of GM Dave Stewart on Oct. 3.

"Mike's background is the perfect balance of scouting, player development and analytics, which will all play an important role going forward," Hall said. "He's a natural leader, who we feel fortunate to have been able to hire, and we welcome him and his family to Arizona."

"I'm extremely grateful for this incredible opportunity to help the D-backs reach the next level," said Hazen. "This is a franchise that has experienced a lot of success, both on and off the field in less than two decades of existence, and I'm looking forward to working with Ken and Derrick to help bring back a tradition of winning to Arizona."

One of Hazen's first tasks will be to hire a manager to replace Chip Hale, who was also dismissed on Oct. 3 after two years at the helm.

One name that will no doubt come up is Red Sox bench coach Torey Lovullo, who served as Boston's interim manager for seven weeks in 2015 when manager John Farrell underwent cancer treatment.

The organization also thinks very highly of Triple-A manager Phil Nevin, who interviewed for the manager's job before Hale was hired. Nevin has also interviewed with other teams, including the Padres last year, before they hired Andy Green.

Steve Gilbert has covered the D-backs for MLB.com since 2001. Follow him on Twitter @SteveGilbertMLB.