ON THE MOVE: Peter Wilt replaced by John Guppy in Chicago

Chicago Fire has hired John Guppy, previously executive vice president of the MetroStars, to replace Peter Wilt, who has served as Chicago's team president since 1997.

Under Wilt, Chicago won the 1998 MLS title during its expansion season, lifted three U.S. Open Cups and finished MLS runner-up twice.
Wilt will remain general manager during the transition period before leaving the employ of team owner AEG.

Also during Wilt's tenure, AEG and the Village of Bridgeview entered an agreement to build a soccer-specific stadium into which the Fire will move in the spring of 2006.

"Peter Wilt created the foundation of a great professional sports organization in the Chicago Fire," said Scott Blackmun, Chief Operating Officer of AEG. "He was truly the leader of the effort to create the stadium opportunity, and his success in the community relations realm is unparalleled.  The Chicago Fire will continue to build on Peter's success under John's leadership."