Overview:

Former Red Bulls technical director Ricardo Campos Friday was named executive vice president, club operations of the MLS expansion team in San Diego.

Former Red Bulls technical director Ricardo Campos Friday was named executive vice president, club operations of the MLS expansion team in San Diego.

Campos, who most recently was president of the San Diego Loyal Soccer Club (USL Championship), will begin his duties on Sept. 18. He will be responsible for overseeing and directing the operations of various departments critical to the success and growth of the club.

Campos is a tri-lingual sports executive with more than 17 years of experience in the U.S. soccer universe. He has led the operations and management of several professional and club soccer teams. In his new role, Campos will provide line management direction and support for the leaders within the departments of brand, community and communication, facilities and retail operations, and the IT/Technology.

“I am thrilled to welcome Ricardo as our executive vice president of club operations,” said Tom Penn, CEO, San Diego MLS, said in a statement. “Ricardo’s wealth of experience, strong tie to the San Diego community and leadership qualities make him the ideal choice for this crucial role. His guidance will be instrumental in driving our brand, community, communication, facilities, retail operations, and technology departments towards excellence. Ricardo’s inclusion in our leadership team will be pivotal in defining our success, building a distinctive club identity, and engaging with our audience the San Diego way.”

Added Campos: “It is an absolute honor to join the team at San Diego MLS. I’m thankful for the opportunity to join the team and be a part of building a football club that is a reflection of this uniquely diverse community in San Diego. The ability to help shape a club is something very unique, even more once I’ve gotten to know about the club vision and the ownership group. I am excited about the future of football in San Diego and what we will accomplish together.”

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.