Jim Rushton
Senior Vice President, Chief Partnerships Officer (CPO)
Chevy Chase, Maryland, United States
Professional Overview
Jim Rushton is an accomplished senior executive with extensive expertise in sports and entertainment business strategy, partnerships, and revenue generation. As the Chief Partnerships Officer (CPO) of the Washington Commanders, he leverages his 30+ years of industry experience to drive strategic partnerships, innovative fan engagement initiatives, and revenue growth for the organization.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Senior Vice President and Chief Partnerships Officer (CPO) of the Washington Commanders, Jim is responsible for leading the organization's partnership strategy, identifying and securing high-value corporate sponsorships, and developing innovative fan engagement programs. He plays a pivotal role in expanding the Commanders' commercial footprint and strengthening its position within the highly competitive NFL landscape.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Jim held senior leadership positions with several prominent sports franchises and organizations, including the Los Angeles Chargers, Miami Dolphins, and Boston 2024 Partnership. As the Senior Vice President of Business Strategy & Stadium Affairs for the Chargers, he spearheaded the team's relocation efforts and oversaw the development of their new stadium. Earlier in his career, he served as the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) for the Chargers and the Miami Dolphins, where he drove record-breaking revenues and developed industry-leading partnership programs.
Jim's diverse background also includes a stint as the Global Leader and Partner of the Sports and Entertainment Practice at IBM Interactive Experience, where he leveraged his expertise to advise clients on digital transformation and fan engagement strategies.
Academic Background
Jim holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Areas of Expertise
- Sports and entertainment business strategy
- Partnerships and sponsorship sales
- Revenue generation and growth
- Innovative fan engagement initiatives
- Stadium and facility management
- Digital transformation and technology implementation
Professional Impact
Throughout his career, Jim has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive revenue growth, forge strategic partnerships, and enhance fan engagement for the organizations he has served. His achievements include:
- Securing a record-breaking $300 million stadium naming rights deal for the Los Angeles Chargers
- Increasing the Miami Dolphins' corporate partnership revenue by 25% during his tenure as CRO
- Spearheading the successful Boston 2024 Olympic bid committee's partnership and revenue strategies
Conclusion
With his extensive experience, proven track record of success, and innovative mindset, Jim Rushton is poised to continue making a significant impact on the Washington Commanders and the broader sports and entertainment industry. As the Chief Partnerships Officer, he is uniquely positioned to elevate the organization's commercial success and strengthen its connection with fans and partners alike.