Elevate partners with the Kansas City Royals to place new President of Business Operations Cullen Maxey.
Read the full press release from the team below:
The Kansas City Royals announced today that Cullen Maxey has joined the organization as President of Business Operations and will oversee all departments outside of baseball operations. Brooks Sherman, who previously held that title, will take on a new role as President of Real Estate and Development.
Media are invited to meet with Maxey at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 10 in The Mike Swanson Interview Room on the first floor of Kauffman Stadium. Monday will also be Maxey’s first day with the Royals.
“This is an opportunity and fit that I never would have dreamed of.”
Cullen Maxey
KC Royals President of Business Operations
“The Royals are known throughout the industry for how much they care about the Kansas City region and their fans. Working with this homegrown ownership group that’s invested so much already with plans of doing even more to strengthen this community is an honor.”
“We believe that Cullen’s proven leadership and relevant experience will fit the organization strategically, operationally, and culturally.”
John Sherman
Royals Chairman/CEO
“This also allows Brooks to focus on our next home and the surrounding mixed-use development that will help define our future. I’m grateful for Cullen’s trust and confidence and know that along with what J.J. Picollo is building in Baseball Operations, the Royals are moving in the right direction.”
Maxey stood out in a competitive and nationwide search over the past few months. He joins the Royals from the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he served the last 20 years, including the last 16 overseeing all revenue-generating, community impact, and fan-facing departments. As Executive Vice President, Business Operations & Chief Revenue Officer, he led 15 departments and was the part of the leadership team responsible for the planning and construction of the $200 million Salt River Fields Complex.
He also launched new revenue entities including Arizona Diamondbacks Events & Entertainment and the Legends Entertainment Signage District in Downtown Phoenix. Maxey’s and his team led the broadcast transition from the RSN model to a team-managed multi-platform distribution, which doubled nightly viewership and expanded access through OTA partnerships.
He and his team also oversaw multiple stadium projects, coordinated the 2011 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, two World Baseball Classics, the 2023 World Series and several brand evolutions. Maxey, a 1994 Arizona State University graduate, also worked in corporate sales for the Phoenix Suns (1997-2001) and Arizona Coyotes (2001-05) before spending two years as the General Manager of CBS Collegiate Sports Properties at Arizona State from 2005-06.
Maxey and his wife, Brenda, have a son, Will, and a daughter, Lizzie.
