Chris McGowan leaves AEG to become President & CEO of Portland Trail Blazers

Chris McGowan, who has been in leadership roles with both the Los Angeles Kings and LA Galaxy, has left AEG Sports to become president and CEO of the Portland Trail Blazers, it was announced on Monday.

McGowan began his career with AEG in 1996, and was chief operating officer of the Kings since 2007. Earlier in 2012, he was named COO of AEG Sports, which also including overseeing the business operations of the Galaxy.

"Upon my departure, I'd like to thank Phil Anschutz and Tim Leiweke for allowing me to be part of AEG for the past 17 years. The experience that I have gained will be invaluable as I transition to the next phase of my career. AEG is a first class organization and I wish everyone associated with the company nothing but success in the future," McGowan said in a statement. "I am excited to be joining Paul Allen and his management team, in particular Bert Kolde, Peter McLoughlin and Neil Olshey."

Olshey left the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this year to become general manager in Portland. He will be joined by McGowan on November 12.

"It is a great day for the Portland Trail Blazers as we welcome Chris to the Northwest," said Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen in a statement. "With his demonstrated leadership with the Kings and Galaxy, I am confident he will find ways to improve the Blazers’ business performance, which is key to the team's overall success."