Suns make pair of front office moves

The Phoenix Suns announced a pair of front office moves
Monday, naming Brad Caspar as the team’s president to lead
business and non-basketball operations and Jason Rowley as
the new Chief Operating Officer.

“We are proud to have been able to attract someone of
Brad’s caliber to lead our business operations,” said Suns
Managing Partner Robert Sarver in a press release. “His
expertise in organizational development, marketing and
branding, coupled with his passion for the Suns, will be
an enormous asset for our organization, our marketing
partners, and our fans. His dedicated involvement in the
Arizona community exemplifies and extends our
organization’s commitment to the city and state.”

Sarver said Rowley, who has been with the Suns the last
four seasons as the club’s Senior Vice President and
General Counsel and will report to Caspar, “Will provide
important continuity and leadership.”

Before joining the Suns Caspar served as President and CEO
of The Dial Corporation, which was integrated into the
Henkel Group after the 2004 purchase. He oversaw
construction of the company’s Scottsdale headquarters and
research lab.

As for his lack of team-related experience? Caspar said it
doesn’t matter.

“We try to delight consumers too,” he said of his previous
experience. “From the moment they have that first touch-
point with a package and bring it home, we try to make
sure every experience they have with that brand is
outstanding.”

He says his goal is to redefine what the Suns brand means
and what the organization strives for.

“I really believe that this brand is already very strong,
but over the last few years, I don’t think we’ve lost our
way, I just don’t think it’s as clear anymore as to what
we stand for,” he said. “I want to make sure that what we
do stand for is the best entertainment sports value, not
only in Arizona but certainly in the NBA.”

Follow @theAdamGreen