Pirates announce hiring of new executive vice president David Burke

The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced the hiring of David Burke as the Club’s Executive Vice President, Sales & Business Development. In this role, Burke will lead the Ticket Sales, Premium Sales, Partnership Sales, Event Sales and Business Analytics departments, with a focus on enhancing fan and partner engagement.

Burke joins the Pirates from the Kroenke Sports and Entertainment Group, where he served in the role of Executive Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer since 2012. At Kroenke Sports, he was charged with overseeing the group’s Revenue Strategy and Business Intelligence as well as Business Innovation, Consumer Sales, Suite Sales and Premium Sales for the Colorado Avalanche, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Rapids and Colorado Mammoth.

Prior to joining Kroenke, Burke served as President of the Houston Aeros, a professional ice hockey team and affiliate of the Minnesota Wild in the American Hockey League. From 2011 to 2012, Burke oversaw all day-to-day business operations of the team.

“David not only brings a high level of expertise and proven track record of success to his new role, but just as important, he has a personality, demeanor and work ethic that will be a perfect fit within our city,” said Travis Williams, Pirates President. “He understands the importance of relationships, as well as how to deliver value to our fans and partners.”

In his new role, Burke’s unique understanding of sports business and strategic planning adds to his more than seven years of experience directing ticket sales and service staffs for multiple professional sports teams. He served as the Vice President of Ticket Sales and Service with the Phoenix Coyotes from 2007 to 2011 where he oversaw sales, service and premium suites staffs for the Coyotes and Jobing.com Arena. Prior to that, Burke was the Director of Season Ticket Sales for the Charlotte Bobcats from 2006 to 2007 and during that time the Club ranked sixth in the NBA for new season ticket sales.

A graduate of the College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Science in Corporate Communications, Burke began his career in the industry with the Dallas Stars in 2003 and later joined the New Orleans Hornets in 2004. A native of Houston, TX, Burke will make his home in Pittsburgh with his wife Emily and two sons.