KANSAS CITY – The Royals announced Thursday that Cullen Maxey has joined the organization as its new president of business operations, overseeing all departments outside of baseball operations.
Maxey spent the past 20 years with the D-backs, and over the last 16 years, he oversaw all revenue-generating, community impact and fan-facing departments. His most recent title was executive vice president, business operations and chief revenue officer.
“This is an opportunity and fit that I never would have dreamed of,” Maxey said in the team’s statement announcing the hire. “The Royals are known throughout the industry for how much they care about the Kansas City region and their fans. Working with this homegrown ownership group that’s invested so much already with plans of doing even more to strengthen this community is an honor.”
The Royals conducted a nationwide search for a new president of business operations to allow current president, Brooks Sherman, to move into a new role as president of real estate and development. That allows Sherman to focus on Kansas City’s future ballpark and the development that the Royals envision surrounding it.
The team’s lease at Kauffman Stadium expires at the end of the 2030 season, and the club has been exploring new sites in downtown Kansas City, north Kansas City (Clay County) and Overland Park, Kansas (Johnson County). Sherman has been heavily involved in the team’s search for a new home, and the new role will allow him to dedicate more of his time to that.
“We believe that Cullen’s proven leadership and relevant experience will fit the organization strategically, operationally, and culturally,” Royals chairman/CEO John Sherman said in the team’s statement. “This also allows Brooks to focus on our next home and the surrounding mixed-use development that will help define our future. I’m grateful for Cullen’s trust and confidence and know that along with what J.J. Picollo is building in baseball operations, the Royals are moving in the right direction.”
Maxey will lead everything under the business operations umbrella, including ticket sales, corporate partnerships, community impact, media rights and more. With Arizona, Maxey launched new revenue entities, including Arizona Diamondbacks Events and Entertainment and the Legends Entertainment Signage District in Downtown Phoenix. His team led the broadcast transition from the regional sports network model to a team-managed multi-platform distribution. The Royals will be facing another decision with their broadcast next offseason after picking up the mutual option with FanDuel Sports Network for 2026.
Maxey was part of the team responsible for the planning and construction of the $200 million Salt River Fields Complex, and he also oversaw multiple stadium projects during his time in Arizona.
Maxey’s first day with the Royals is Monday.