White Sox promote Williams to Executive VP, name Hahn as new GM

White Sox promote Williams to Executive VP, name Hahn as new GM

WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information. Sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date on the stories that matter.

In a move that has been evolving over the past year, the White Sox made some changes to their front office Friday. Rick Hahn has been promoted to Vice President and General Manager after spending the past 12 years as assistant general manager to GM Ken Williams. Williams, meanwhile, has been elevated to Executive Vice President of the club.

Williams said his new role would involve more of a “macro” handling of the team. One of his tasks will be to bring “fan energy” back to U.S. Cellular Field, similar to efforts that have taken place in Boston, New York and California. He will also become more involved with the White Sox farm system. 

Hahn has worked closely with Williams and will likely continue many of the former GM’s methods. The Winnetka native, who has intereviewed for several GM positions in the past year, went to University of Michigan, Harvard Law School and Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. When asked about his collegiate background and his current chosen path, the new GM said, “Baseball has always been special to me.” Prior to joining the White Sox, Hahn worked for the sports agency firm of Steinberg, Moorad and Dunn.

Hahn also said he is actively involved in negotiations with the Sox free agents Jake Peavy, A.J. Pierzynski and Kevin Youkilis, as well as potential free agent Gavin Floyd. Hahn acknowledged that Peavy especially may get more suitors with more money to offer, but said the former Cy Young winner told the Sox he wants to stay in Chicago.

This front office move is similar to what owner Jerry Reinsdorf did with his Chicago Bulls when Gar Forman was elevated to General Manager and John Paxson became Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations. 

In one more White Sox move, Howard Pizer was named the team’s Senior Executive Vice President. Pizer has been part of Jerry Reinsdorf’s organization since 1981.