MLS: Andy Loughnane appointed president of business operations of the Columbus Crew (Ohio)

Andy Loughnane (USA) was appointed president of business operations of the MLS (Major League Soccer) franchise Columbus Crew (Ohio, United States), the club announced on 16/08/2014.

Andy Loughnane, 40, will replace Mark McCullers, who left his position of Crew president and general manager in March 2014. Previously, Andy Loughnane was the vice president of corporate partnerships of the Detroit Pistons (Michigan), the NBA (National Basketball Assocation) franchise, from 2012 to 2014. He was also the senior account executive of the Blue Jackets (Ohio), the NHL (National Hockey League) franchise in Columbus, from 2000 to 2001.

Andy Loughnane will notably be in charge of improving the relationship between the MLS team and the Columbus community to increase ticket sales in Columbus Crew Stadium (capacity 22,000). The franchise has only 5,000 season ticker holders in 2014, or 23% of the stadium's total capacity.