JAY BLUNK
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS

The Chicago Blackhawks announced on January 3, 2008, the hiring of Jay Blunk as the team’s Senior Vice President of Business Operations, a newly created position.

A 22-year sports marketing veteran, Blunk will direct the team’s business operations. He joins the Blackhawks after directing many of the Chicago Cubs’ successful marketing strategies and is viewed by many in the industry as an energetic sports marketing innovator. During his tenure with the Cubs, he held several marketing and sales, branding, promotions and advertising positions.

As Senior Vice President of Business Operations he will oversee the team’s marketing operation as well as media, tickets, broadcast and community relations. He will report directly to Chicago Blackhawks’ team president John McDonough.

“Bringing an exceptional talent like Jay on board represents another step towards restoring the Blackhawks and its brand to its rightful place among sports’ most treasured franchises,” said McDonough. “There is no question in my mind that Jay has the right credentials, the credibility and the leadership to help us build on the progress we’ve made in a short time. He will join a great team of professionals who have contributed to our growth. We are thrilled to have him with us.”

Blunk has spent his entire career with the Chicago Cubs, joining the team as an intern after graduating from Illinois State University in 1986. Most recently, Blunk was the team’s senior vice president of marketing and broadcasting. He and his wife, Marci, have three children and live in the northern suburbs.