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Rockets promote Gretchen Sheirr to lead business operations, replace Tad Brown

Ben DuBose
·3 min read
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The Houston Rockets are promoting Gretchen Sheirr from chief operating officer (COO) to president of business operations, the team announced on Wednesday. According to Mark Berman of Fox 26 Houston, she is replacing Tad Brown, who recently stepped down as CEO.

Sheirr, who has worked with the club for 20 years, is the fourth woman leading the business operations of an NBA team. She joins a franchise that is becoming known for its diversity at the highest ranks. General manager Rafael Stone and head coach Stephen Silas are one of a select few Black GM-coach combinations in the NBA.

Wednesday’s press release from the Rockets, which includes details on Sheirr’s background with the team, reads:

Houston Rockets owner Tilman J. Fertitta today announced Gretchen Sheirr (pronounced Sheer) has been promoted from Chief Operating Officer (COO) to President of Business Operations.

Fertitta said:

As soon as I began working with Gretchen, I was immediately impressed by her knowledge, her innovation and her leadership. With Gretchen having been part of the Houston Rockets success for two decades, I couldn’t be more excited to see her get this opportunity. Her work ethic, attention to detail and passion for the Rockets gives me great confidence in her ability to perform at the highest level.

Sheirr said:

First, I’d like to thank Tilman, Patrick and the entire Fertitta family for their guidance and support, and of course, their trust to help steward the Rockets brand for the city of the Houston. To have this opportunity, in your hometown, for your childhood team, is a dream come true.

Sheirr, who recently finished her 20th season with the Rockets, began as an account executive and worked her way up the ranks, becoming the team’s Senior Director of Ticket Sales, Vice President of Sales & Services, Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) and eventually COO.

As CRO, Sheirr oversaw all ticketing and suites sales, services and operations for the Rockets and Toyota Center as well as corporate development and business strategy. In her expanded role as COO, all business departments reported directly to Sheirr.

Early in her career, Sheirr spearheaded the implementation of a private-label ticketing venture, now known as AXS Ticketing, which garnered success for both the Rockets and Toyota Center. Her comprehensive understanding of ticketing strategy and ability to forecast industry opportunities along with a commitment to digital innovation and fostering strong relationships within the Houston business community have been vital to the organization’s success.

A native of Spring, Texas, Sheirr graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in marketing. She was a four-year letter winner as a diver for LSU. In 2017, she was named one of Sports Business Journal’s Forty Under 40, which annually recognizes the top young professionals in sports business.

Sheirr is a founding board member of WISE Houston and is a member of the Executive Women’s Partnership. She and her husband, Ken, have twins, Zachary and Jordan, and live in The Woodlands.

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