The USOC says Rick Burton's departure is effective Nov. 7. Burton held the job for just 14 months.
A release from the USOC says Burton is leaving to pursue other professional interests including the resumption of his marketing company.
A marketing expert familiar with the situation at the USOC says Burton was likely under heavy pressure to close some pending major sponsorships, which he has not been able to do. The source says Burton faced huge challenges this year.
He was selling through a big mess leading up to Beijing. Then they have the economy slapping them upside the head, ATR is told.
Against difficult economic conditions, the USOC is still seeking renewals from some of its biggest sponsors, including AT&T, Bank of America and Home Depot. An automotive sponsor is needed with GM dropping off this year. The value of those four sponsorships is believed to be worth a combined $65 million for the next four years.
Whether the USOC will pay enough to recruit a CMO who can deliver on those sales remains to be seen. Burton's salary apparently was not high enough to be listed among the top five in the USOC's latest filing with the Internal Revenue Service. Those pay packets ranged from about $300,000 for media and communications chief Darryl Seibel to nearly $600,000 for CEO Jim Scherr.
The announcement from the USOC said that a national search will be carried out to find a new CMO. Marketing department executive John Pierce has been named as Acting Director of Marketing Operations, reporting to Scherr under a corporate restructuring. The USOC release says all revenue generating departments will now report to Scherr. When he was hired, Burton reported to COO Norman Bellingham.
"This new structure will enable us to better serve and support the corporations and individuals whose financial participation is essential in sustaining opportunities for America's athletes to pursue their dreams," said Scherr in a statement.
"Rick brought great passion and energy to his position at the USOC. We thank him for his many contributions to our organization and wish him continued success in his future professional endeavors, said Scherr.
Burton, 51, says he plans to stay in Colorado Springs for now. Prior to joining the USOC, Burton spent four years in Australia as CEO of the National Basketball League. Before that he was well-known as an expert on sports marketing in the U.S. and has served as a moderator for the SportAccord trade show and convention.
Written by Ed Hula.
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