The San Jose Earthquakes and Oakland Athletics share the same owner, and as of today they share the same President as well. As part of A’s managing partner and minority owner Lew Wolff’s exit, both organizations announced leadership changes that include Quakes President Dave Kaval expanding his role to include President of the Oakland A’s.
Kaval has served as President of the Quakes for over six years, having assumed the role at the age of just thirty-two. He oversaw the construction of the club’s new Avaya Stadium and led the transition from Buck Shaw Stadium in the 2015 season. Kaval will split his duties between San Jose and Oakland, putting even more weight on the Quakes’ vital ongoing search for a new General Manager.
As part of the move, the Quakes promoted Jared Shawlee to COO in order to help oversee day-to-day operations for the club. The Cal Poly and University of Notre Dame graduate has been with the Quakes since the club’s reconstruction in 2007, serving as Director of Corporate Partnerships from 2007-2010 and Vice President of Sales & Strategy since 2011.
In addition, A’s owner Lew Wolff has sold most of his minority stake in the club to majority owner and new Managing Partner John Fisher, which could signal a major shift in the club’s long-term strategy.
More to follow on this breaking story.