The Blues announced on Friday that CEO Mike McCarthy has
decided to step down from his position.
McCarthy, a founding partner of the SCP Worldwide group that purchased
the Blues in June 2006 became assumed the role of CEO in September 2010. McCarthy was in charge of operations
concerning the business side of the Blues including the Scottrade Center and
recently reopened Peabody Opera House.
Before joining SCP Worldwide, McCarthy served as President
of Madison Square Garden Network Group overseeing the sports and news
production and programming that led to 75 Emmy Awards along with 250 Emmy Award
nominations.
McCarthy gained valuable experience in his tenure with the
MSG Network Group as he managed revenue and expenses budgets, while overseeing
500 employees.
In 2005 McCarthy joined SCP Worldwide as a partner and was
instrumental in the purchase of the Blues top minor league affiliate team: The
Peoria Rivermen.
McCarthy has over 25 years of leadership experience split
between MSG Network Group and the Blues.
McCarthy felt it was time to move on while the Blues look to move
forward.
"With
the ownership situation resolved here in St. Louis and on verysolid footing with Tom Stillman and his group, I feel comfortable now going back home knowing that the organization has transitioned smoothly and professionally," McCarthy said. "I am now able with a clear conscience to pursue other interests and should have something to announce shortly in that regard. St. Louis is an amazing place to work and live, and I've especially understood that over the past two full seasons. The Blues, and of course Blues fans, are a major reason why I will always look back on my time here with great fondness. I thank my front office colleagues for making this journey a truly enriching professional experience."
Tom
Stillman, the new Blues Chairman, said "Mike McCarthy has done an outstanding
job managing the business of the Blues, the Scottrade Center, and the Peabody Opera House. He has done
so at considerable personal sacrifice, as
he has been away from his wife and family for long stretches of time. Having guided the business through the
closing of the sale transaction, Mike has
decided to return home to the New York area
to continue his career. I want to thank Mike for his excellent work and his professionalism, and I wish him the very
best in the future.”
With
McCarthy’s departure from the organization very few member s of the Checkett
regime remain. This is normal when new
ownership comes in as they like to be surrounded by their own people.
One
of the few people remaining from the Checkett era is team president John
Davidson. Davidson was instrumental in
reviving the Blues organization after the lockout, but it was recently reported
that his time with the Blues could be coming to a close as a window in his
contract allows him to opt out to explore other job opportunities. It is not yet clear whether or not Davidson
will retain his position as team President, but reports say we should know very
soon.
It
is also reported that former Blues star Brett Hull may come onboard for the
Blues in some capacity. It is not known
what position he is interested in, but it appears that it will be on the
business side, much like the CEO position that McCarthy held. More on all of these developments should be
made known in the coming weeks.