By Jim Morris
The Vancouver Whitecaps have hired a senior management official from an English Premier League team as their new chief executive officer.
Paul Barber, currently Tottenham Hotspur executive director, will begin work March 1 with the Whitecaps, the team said Tuesday.
He will join president Bob Lenarduzzi and chief operating officer Rachel Lewis as the Whitecaps move toward joining Major League Soccer in 2011.
"Paul brings the stature of our club to the next level and we are thrilled to add such an invaluable asset," Lenarduzzi said in a release.
"He has an incredible international network and set of skills in both the technical and commercial areas that will no doubt help us reach our vision of being one of the best sports franchises in the world."
Barber, 42, joined Tottenham's board of directors in 2005. He is responsible for all of the club's key operational divisions, including commercial areas, ticketing and hospitality, international tours and friendly matches.
He also oversees the team's development area, which includes domestic and international coaching programs and soccer camps.
"I have been hugely impressed by the ownership group's vision for the Whitecaps, and for the significant opportunity that Major League Soccer represents throughout North America," said Barber.
