Richard Hixon
Cranberry Township,PA
Summary
Accomplished executive with 30+ years of experience in the sports & entertainment industry. Demonstrated success in business operations, sales and marketing, hospitality, event management, and venue development and operations.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President
CAA ICON
Raleigh, NC
03.2024 - Current
- Managing a multimillion-dollar renovation initiative at PNC Arena aimed at increasing revenues, improving the fan experience, and streamlining operations.
- Effectively represent the owner by leading the project team comprised of architects, construction manager, and sub-consultants to achieve on-time and within-budget project delivery.
- Worked closely with the Centennial Authority and Gale Force Sports and Entertainment to establish a budget for an enhancement plan and long-range capital requirements forecast, critical for obtaining public financing.
- Serving as a key member of a project team managing an $800M renovation initiative to Capital One Arena with objectives to enhance revenues, improve the athlete experience, create operational efficiencies, and enhance fan satisfaction.
Senior Vice President, Facilities
Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh , PA
10.2018 - 02.2024
- Led operations and managed profit and loss for multiple business units including arena operations, food and beverage/concessions, retail, practice facility, youth hockey, and special projects.
- Built strong partnerships across OVG and Aramark local, regional, and national management teams under the supervision of the President of Business Operations.
- Optimized operational efficiencies and maximized profitability through collaboration with OVG and Aramark.
- Achieved annual net profit exceeding $20M by effectively managing a diverse portfolio of facility assets totaling over 900,000 square feet.
President
UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex
Cranberry Township, PA
08.2016 - 10.2018
- Implemented efficient strategies for managing complex business operations and introduced innovative programs to optimize profit while ensuring a safe and welcoming atmosphere.
- Optimized scheduling efficiencies and developed strategic program offerings, resulting in an 80 percent increase in revenues from 2015 to 2018.
- Strategically cultivated industry relationships with various user groups attracting facility content that resulted in over $50M in economic impact for the region annually.
- Led the planning, development, and execution of the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex project with a focus on timely delivery within budgetary limits while reporting directly to the CEO.
Vice President, Industry Growth Fund Initiatives
National Hockey League
New York, NY
10.2015 - 12.2016
- Collaborated with the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players Association to create a comprehensive plan for increasing participation, expanding reach, and strengthening brand identity.
- Developed best-in-class programming and training for coaches and participants through collaboration with the NHL, NHLPA, USA Hockey, and Hockey Canada.
- Analyzed market trends and gathered valuable insights to support the strategic plan for future growth opportunities.
- Managed $20M budget for Industry Growth Fund, supporting both league-wide and market-specific initiatives.
- Implemented league-wide learn-to-play hockey initiative in all 30 NHL markets, resulting in a 25,000 player increase in 8U participation.
Executive Director, Partnership Sales
Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation
Pittsburgh, PA
06.2015 - 10.2015
- Achieved optimization of the sales and partnership marketing department through strategic restructuring measures that led to the attainment of $40M in annual sponsorship revenue.
- Maximized revenue potential for partners through the implementation of a comprehensive corporate sales strategy. The strategy included integrating branding, new media, retail activations, in-arena promotions, hospitality offerings, and player engagement.
Executive Director, Strategic Planning
Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation
Pittsburgh, PA
07.2010 - 06.2015
- Directed and oversaw multiple high-priority projects in line with the CEO's vision for growing the business.
- Collaborated with leadership team to manage and implement CEO's strategic priorities, which included budget management, project scheduling, and quantifying success through defined metrics.
President / Chief Operating Officer
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
Wilkes-Barre, PA
03.1999 - 07.2010
- Managed all aspects of operations for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins franchise, overseeing ticket sales, corporate partnerships, marketing/new media initiatives, communications, and broadcasting. This resulted in $7M of annual revenues and $2M in profits.
- Led a team in designing and constructing a state-of-the-art $11M practice facility and community ice rink project, subsequently securing management agreement rights from the City of Wilkes-Barre.
- Led marketing and fan engagement strategy for a new franchise, successfully negotiating television, radio, and digital broadcast rights with media outlets at various levels.
- Played a pivotal role in attracting the American Hockey League All-Star game to Northeastern Pennsylvania, securing title sponsorship and leading a local organizing committee for execution of the game and hospitality events.
Director, Premium Seating
Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh, PA
11.1995 - 02.1999
- Developed and executed sales strategies for premium seat products, resulting in $10M in revenue managed.
- Managed and executed a $10.5M renovation project leading to the installation of 2,000 club seats at Mellon Arena
Ticket Sales Representative
Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh , PA
09.1993 - 11.1995
- Created sales and marketing strategies to maximize revenue for various ticket plans, generating over $1M in annual sales.
- Trained and managed outbound sales staff responsible for selling various ticket plans.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Sports Management
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock, PA05-1993
Skills
- Brand Strategy & Planning
- Budget Development & Management
- Business Development
- Client Services
- Contract Negotiation
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Event Production & Operations
- Facility Management & Operations
- Hospitality Management / F&B Operations
- Project Management
- Results-Driven
- Retail Management
- Strategic Planning
- Talent Procurement
- Team Leadership
- Training and Mentoring
- Vendor Management
Accomplishments
- Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Alternate Governor (2001 - 2010)
- Northeastern Pennsylvania's 30 Under 30 (Times Leader - 2008)
- Chairman of the American Hockey League's All-Star Selection Committee (2008), Team Business Services Committee (2008), and Marketing Committee (2004)
- American Hockey League - Ken McKenzie Award for outstanding accomplishments in marketing and public relations (2000)
Affiliations
- Butler County Tourism Board of Directors (2017 - 2023)
- North Catholic High School Board of Directors (2018 - 2023)
- USA Hockey's Mid-American District - Vice President (2018 - 2023)
- Pittsburgh Penguins Elite Amateur Hockey Association - President (2012 - 2023)
- National Multiple Sclerosis Board of Directors - Central / Western Pennsylvania Chapter (2006 - 2015)
- United Way of Northeastern Pennsylvania Board of Directors (2001 - 2010)
Timeline
Vice President
CAA ICON
03.2024 - Current
Senior Vice President, Facilities
Pittsburgh Penguins
10.2018 - 02.2024
President
UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex
08.2016 - 10.2018
Vice President, Industry Growth Fund Initiatives
National Hockey League
10.2015 - 12.2016
Executive Director, Partnership Sales
Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation
06.2015 - 10.2015
Executive Director, Strategic Planning
Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation
07.2010 - 06.2015
President / Chief Operating Officer
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
03.1999 - 07.2010
Director, Premium Seating
Pittsburgh Penguins
11.1995 - 02.1999
Ticket Sales Representative
Pittsburgh Penguins
09.1993 - 11.1995
Bachelor of Science - Sports Management
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania