Javier Leon, the young Mexican executive who oversaw the launch of MLS’s Chivas USA, is leaving his post to pursue other endeavors, including the prospect of outside projects with Antonio Cue, Chivas USA President and Co-Owner.
Leon has served as CEO and General Manager of the Los Angeles-based club, which is second in the Western Conference only two games behind Houston with three games in hand after Thursday’s 2-2 tie with D.C. United.
Chivas USA set league records for corporate sponsorship in its inaugural year (2005).
“I would like to thank Chivas USA for the opportunity to work with this groundbreaking organization,” said Leon. “The chance to work with a Mexican expansion team oriented towards the rapidly expanding U.S. Hispanic marketplace, in a growing league like Major League Soccer, over the past three years has been a tremendous learning experience for me. As I leave to pursue other endeavors, I trust that, in my absence, Chivas USA will continue to grow both on and off the field.”
The 41-year-old Leon, a native of Mexico City, previously worked in the field of international finance, for such companies as Merrill Lynch, Deutsche Bank and Bering Securities. He was named CEO of Chivas USA Enterprises, LLC, in August 2004, and added the responsibilities of General Manager, on an interim basis, in March 2007.