Brewers Rick Schlesinger Named 2025 Executive of the Year by Milwaukee Business Journal

MILWAUKEE – This afternoon, Milwaukee Brewers President of Business Operations, Rick Schlesinger, was named the 2025 Executive of the Year by the Milwaukee Business Journal. This prestigious recognition celebrates Schlesinger’s exceptional leadership, strategic vision and unwavering commitment to advancing the Brewers business operations and community impact.

Under Schlesinger’s guidance, the Brewers have continued to innovate and grow, delivering memorable fan experiences while strengthening partnerships across the region. His leadership has been instrumental in driving initiatives that enhance American Family Field, expand engagement opportunities and position the Brewers as a cornerstone of Milwaukee’s sports and entertainment landscape.

The honor was announced during the Milwaukee Business Journal’s C-Suite Stars Awards Luncheon at The Pfister Hotel, an event recognizing the region’s most influential executives for their achievements and contributions to business and civic life.

Schlesinger’s prestigious award comes on the heels of a franchise-record 97 wins in 2025 and the best record in baseball (97-65) as the team qualified for the postseason for the seventh time in the last eight seasons and won the National League Central division for the third consecutive season. Baseball America named the Milwaukee Brewers as the 2025 Organization of the Year. Milwaukee Brewers President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Matt Arnold was named 2025 MLB Executive of the Year, becoming the first executive to receive the honor twice. Manager Pat Murphy was voted 2025 National League Manager of the Year, becoming one of four managers ever to win the award in consecutive seasons.

Schlesinger completed his 23rd season with the Brewers and seventh in his current position after being promoted on January 23, 2019. He has previously held roles with the organization as executive vice president of business operations (2003-10) and chief operating officer (2011-18).

The Brewers have established records in nearly every aspect of the business during Schlesinger’s tenure. More than 2.5 million fans have passed through the gates of American Family Field in 14 of the past 16 seasons (excluding the 2020 and 2021 restricted capacity seasons). In that time, the organization has built a focus on the fan experience, developed new and enhanced partnerships and completed several major development projects that benefit various stakeholders.

Among his many accomplishments, Schlesinger joined elected officials and business leaders in leading a successful effort to secure a generational lease extension for the Brewers at American Family Field. The new lease and associated funding to maintain and improve the ballpark ensures that American Family Field will be home to the Brewers through at least 2050.

Schlesinger oversees the organization’s business operations, including finance, human resources, information technology, legal, sponsorships, marketing, ticketing, business analytics, broadcasting, communications, stadium operations and non-baseball special events. In addition, he oversees American Family Fields of Phoenix (the team’s Spring Training complex) and the business operations of the Wilson (NC) Warbirds, the organization’s Class-A Minor League affiliate. Schlesinger is a member of Major League Baseball’s Youth Baseball and Labor Policy Committees.

Prior to joining the organization, Schlesinger spent five seasons (1998-2002) as vice president of business and legal affairs/assistant general manager for the Anaheim Angels. He previously worked for Walt Disney Pictures and Television in motion picture development and production (1993-1998) and at the Los Angeles law firm of Latham and Watkins (1986-1993).

A Phi Beta Kappa graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1983, Schlesinger received his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School (cum laude) in 1986. A native of Bayside, Wisconsin, he currently resides in Hartland, Wisconsin, with his wife, Kate. They have five children, Bradley, Sam, Caitlin, Molly and Mathieu.