Rone Resigns as Dodger Executive

VERO BEACH, Fla. â€”  Dodger executive Kris Rone resigned from the club Thursday because of philosophical differences with new owners Frank and Jamie McCourt.

“Changes like this are not unusual during an ownership transition,� said Rone, who for five years directed the club’s sales and marketing efforts as executive vice president of business operations.

“I’m really proud of what we as a management team have done and of the efforts of all of the people who worked for me. I feel we made an impact for the fans and in producing revenue for the company.�

Rone declined to elaborate on her philosophical differences with the McCourts, but management sources said it had been clear for weeks that Rone could not work for the new regime.

Derrick Hall, senior vice president, spoke on behalf of the McCourts.

“Kris made this decision on her own, and we wish her the best of luck,� Hall said. “How the position will be filled will be determined, but we will look to replace her.... This is all part of the current process of determining who wants to be in the organization and who fits in with the new cultural change.�

A 51% increase in net revenues and a 271% increase in sponsorship sales over the last five years were among the club’s accomplishments under Rone’s guidance, according to figures obtained from the Dodgers.

The Dodgers created many new revenue streams during this period, including the creation of luxury suites and Dugout Club seating and permitting increased advertising at Dodger Stadium.

Rone emphasized marketing to Latino fans, and club executives cited her campaign among the main reasons Latino attendance at the stadium increased 12% over the last four years.