Cutthroats name seasoned sports executive Ben Rifkin President

March 7, 2013 - PRLog -- The Denver Cutthroats hockey club announced it has tapped long-time sports executive Ben Rifkin as the team’s new President. As the team’s top executive, Rifkin will oversee day-to-day business operations and work closely with Cutthroats’ ownership to develop the team’s short and long term business strategies.

"Ben brings a tremendous combination of knowledge and skills to the Cutthroats and he will have a powerful impact on our fans and partners,” said franchise owner John Hayes. “As we continue to establish our team in the Denver community, we need the kind of leadership and creativity Ben has proven time and again that he can provide.”

Rifkin comes to the Cutthroats as a familiar face on the Denver sports scene, having served most recently as the SVP of Marketing & Operations for the USA Pro Challenge (USPC), which has quickly grown to be the premier professional cycling stage race in North America and one of the premier races in the world. With the USPC, Rifkin was responsible for all facets of the race’s marketing, merchandising, vendor relations, host city partnerships and key staff management. He developed partnerships with national consumer brands and media organizations and oversaw promotions that led to a 25 percent increase in the economic impact the USPC had on Colorado and participating communities.

Prior to his stint at the USPC, Rifkin held several positions over nine years at Bonnier Corporation, one of the largest consumer media groups in the U.S. He began his career there as an intern before moving up the sales side of the organization, ultimately overseeing all staff and business initiatives as Publisher of the SKI, Skiing and Skiing Business brands.

“The team’s ownership is dedicated to the long-term success of the Cutthroats, and the existing team, both on and off the ice, has swiftly built a brand based on all-inclusive fun, excellent professional sports and value-driven entertainment,” Rifkin said. “I’m thrilled to join the team and capitalize on the momentum of a strong inaugural season.”

For more information on the Denver Cutthroats, visit http://www.DenverCutthroats.com