MLB Players Association restructures business group

By Chris Olds | Editor

The Major League Baseball Players Association announced Thursday a reorganization of its business-side staffing.

Evan Kaplan, the former category director for trading cards, collectibles and new business development is now the Director of Licensing and Business Development. He will oversee licensing for trading cards, apparel and other areas. The long-time Director of Business Affairs and Licensing, Judy Heeter, left the post last year.

Other moves announced Thursday include:

— Tim Slavin becomes Director of Business Affairs and Licensing/Senior Counsel, overseeing MLBPA commercial activities and legal issues.

— Richard White becomes General Manager, Business Affairs, Media and International, which means he manages interests in media in all form with a focus on digital entertainment and TV both in the United States and internationally.

— Nancy Willis becomes Senior Category Director, Retail Development and Apparel as well as events director.

“These changes create a staffing configuration that will better support the commercial goals and interests of the MLBPA in today’s ever-changing and challenging business and legal environments,” said MLBPA Executive Director Michael Weiner. “I have great confidence in Tim’s ability to lead our group.  Between them, Tim, Richard, Evan and Nancy possess a tremendous amount of industry, business and licensing experience that will continue to support, preserve and protect the commercial interests and rights of Major Leaguers as a group.  I’m certain that the Players Choice group licensing program will not only continue to provide substantial benefits for all players, but also thrive and expand.”