NEW YORK (Monday, December 13, 2010) – Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber announced today that Kathy Carter has been named President of Soccer United Marketing (SUM), MLS’ commercial subsidiary. Carter, who most recently served as Executive Vice President, will manage the day-to day operations of SUM, as well as lead the strategic planning and vision for increasing commercial revenues for Major League Soccer, all MLS clubs and all properties represented by SUM.
In her new role, Carter will oversee all commercial activity for the organization in the United States and Canada. She will be responsible for all sponsorship, licensing and advertising sales for MLS/SUM. Carter will continue to serve as a key member of the MLS/SUM Senior Executive staff, providing counsel to the League Commissioner and MLS Board of Governors.
“Kathy is incredibly passionate about the sport and has been deeply committed to our many properties, partners and affiliates,” said Garber. “She has been a major contributor to our commercial strategy and is dedicated to ensuring our partners derive great value through their association with us. I am confident that she will excel in this new role and help take MLS and soccer in North America to even greater heights.”
In addition to Major League Soccer, Carter and her staff are responsible for all sales and servicing for some of the premier soccer properties in the United States, including U.S. Soccer and all of its National Teams, the Mexican National Team, famed Mexican club team Chivas de Guadalajara, and multiple CONCACAF properties.
Carter also will oversee the commercial relationship with all three national broadcast partners and MLS Digital Properties, formerly known as the SUM Digital Network. MLS Digital Properties encompasses the only soccer advertising network of its kind, covering all facets of the sport in the U.S., which allows advertisers to reach millions of soccer fans via online advertising and sponsorship campaigns.
“The business of soccer in the United States has never been stronger than it is today,” said Carter. “I see it as a privilege and an honor to work in the sport that I am so passionate about. Soccer has made so much progress in North America over the past decade and I can’t wait to be a part of its growth in the future.”
Carter, who was a starter on the nationally ranked women’s soccer team at the College of William and Mary, serves as the U.S. representative on FIFA’s Committee for Women’s Football and the FIFA Women’s World Cup. With nearly 20 years of experience in the sports industry, Carter is in her second stint with MLS/SUM. She was a member of the League Office staff when MLS kicked off in 1996. Her other industry experience includes working for AEG, ISL and World Cup USA 1994.
Carter is a recipient of the SportsBusiness Journal and the Crain’s New York Business Forty Under 40 awards, as well as the 2009 Women in Sports and Events (WISE) award.
