Ivan Gazidis has been promoted to MLS Deputy Commissioner. Gazidis, who most recently served as MLS’s Executive Vice President of Player Relations and League Operations, has the second longest tenure of any employee at Major League Soccer, having joined the league office in April 1994, two years before the league’s inaugural game. In his new role, Gazidis will take on a greater role in the league’s strategic planning and business operations. He will continue to oversee the negotiation and administration of all international and domestic player contracts for the league. In addition, Gazidis’ other duties include formulating and implementing policies with respect to the MLS player pool and overseeing league competition issues. He also manages all day-to-day operations at the league level, including stadium and day-of-game issues along with player, coaching and refereeing administrative matters. “Ivan has been an important and dedicated leader of MLS since the league’s inception,” Commissioner Don Garber said. “His knowledge, experience and expertise are invaluable in helping become among the best soccer leagues in the world.” Born Sept. 13, 1964, in Johannesburg, South Africa, he moved to England when he was four years old. Gazidis attended Oxford University, graduating in 1986 with a Master’s Degree in Law. While at Oxford University, he was twice an Oxford soccer “Blue,” playing against Cambridge University at Wembley Stadium in 1984 and 1985. He took the Solicitor’s Final Examination at the Guildford College of Law in 1987 and worked as a corporate lawyer in London and Los Angeles until 1994, when he was recruited by Major League Soccer. An ex officio member of MLS’s Competition Committee, Gazidis is a lifelong soccer fan and player. He continues to play in competitive leagues throughout the metropolitan New York area. Gazidis resides in Connecticut with his wife and two sons. In addition to Gazidis’ promotion, MLS announced that Nelson Rodriguez has been promoted to Assistant to the Commissioner. The 35-year-old Rodriguez joined MLS in January 2000 as the league’s Director of Player Personnel after spending two years as the MetroStars’ Director of Soccer Operations. A former Mid-Atlantic Coach of the Year at Lafayette College, the bilingual Rodriguez will serve as the Commissioner’s key liaison on day-to-day matters.