McGahie Named Comets COO

Hilton Koch, Houston Comets Owner and Chief Executive Officer today announced that he has named Robert “Bob” McGahie to the newly created position of President and Chief Operating Officer. McGahie has served as Interim COO since November 2007.

In his new role, McGahie will work collaboratively with Koch on the team’s day-to-day business operations and foster long-term strategic planning in the areas of corporate partnerships, marketing, ticket sales and services, game operations and events, and public and community relations. He will report directly to Koch.

“Bob and I have worked together since shortly after my purchase of the team,” said Hilton Koch. “During that early period, we spent a lot of time forming new relationships with local businesses. His passion for the Comets and women’s basketball and his business development expertise are two important reasons why I chose him for this position.”

Before joining the Comets staff, McGahie was a management consultant for the National Basketball Association assigned to advise Koch on business matters regarding the Comets ownership transition in 2007. McGahie brings more than 18 years of experience with professional sports teams, having previously served as vice president, corporate partnerships for the National Hockey League’s Phoenix Coyotes in 2006. During his time with that team, he simultaneously provided financial analysis to associate companies, including the National Lacrosse League’s Arizona Sting and additional Glendale Arena properties.

Prior to that, McGahie also worked as corporate sales manager for the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx and contributed more than $6.3 million in revenue toward both franchises and Target Center. Previously, McGahie has held roles with Triple Crown Sports, Inc., Roller Hockey International, Inc. and filled freelance sports sales and television production positions with ABC Sports and CBS Sports.