Jim Lites, who has served as President of the Dallas Stars since June, 1993, will take on additional responsibilities as President of the Texas Rangers, it was announced today by Tom Hicks, Chairman of the Board and Owner of both franchises.
Hicks made the announcement as part of his plan for a new organization structure for the Southwest Sports Group, the overall company which incorporates the Rangers, Stars, Mesquite Rodeo, KXTX-TV-Channel 39, and Southwest Sports Productions.
Hicks also announced that Southwest Sports Chief Operating Officer Mike Cramer will be responsible for the management of all business operations for the group’s companies. In addition, Rangers Executive Vice President-Business Operations John McMichael has been promoted to Executive Vice President-Finance and Operations for the Southwest Sports Group.
“After carefully examining all the components of the Southwest Sports Group, this new structure will allow us to effectively operate and continue to build all of the companies within the group,” commented Hicks, who serves as Chairman of the Board of Southwest Sports Group.
Lites will not only oversee all sales, marketing, and ticket sales aspects for both franchises but will also join Hicks in working closely with the General Managers of both teams, the Rangers’ Doug Melvin and the Stars’ Bob Gainey, in baseball and hockey matters.
Lites, 46, has played a major role in the growing success of the Dallas Stars over the last six years while overseeing all aspects of the organization. Prior to joining the Stars, he was Executive Vice President of the Detroit Red Wings for 11 years, and his 17 consecutive years on the National Hockey League’s Board of Governors ranks as one of the league’s longest tenures. Lites also served as Chief Operating Officer of Olympia Arenas in Detroit and was involved in business operations for the Detroit Tigers during the early years of Michael Ilitch’s ownership of that club.
“Jim Lites is one of the top executives in professional sports today,” said Hicks. “He has done an outstanding job in building the Dallas Stars franchise, and he will be a great asset to the Texas Rangers as well.”
Cramer, as Chief Operating Officer of the Southwest Sports Group, will be responsible for all business matters involving the Rangers and Stars as well as the overseeing of the Mesquite Rodeo, Stars Centers, all broadcasting entities, and new sports and media ventures.
Cramer, 46, has been COO of the Southwest Sports Group since that entity was formed in June, 1998. He previously served as Executive Vice President of International Home Foods, Inc. (NYSE: IHF) and in similar capacities with several other entities in the past ten years. Cramer remains as a member of the Board of Directors of IHF.
“With this new organization structure, Southwest Sports strengthens its ability to operate effectively and competitively in our sports, entertainment, and media companies,” said Cramer.
In his new position with Southwest Sports, McMichael will serve as Chief Financial Officer and will also oversee all ballpark and arena operations for SSG’s companies. He will also assist Hicks in Major League Baseball ownership matters.
McMichael, 43, has been with the Rangers since February, 1984, serving first as controller before becoming Vice President of Business Operations in December, 1989. He added the title of team Treasurer in January, 1992 and became Executive Vice President in February, 1996.
“John McMichael brings a strong business and baseball background to the Southwest Sports Group,” stated Hicks. “That expertise will be very beneficial to all of the companies.”
Hicks purchased the Dallas Stars in December, 1995 and the Texas Rangers in June, 1998.
The new organization structure for the Southwest Sports Group will be effective immediately.