President - Business Operations
Rick Schlesinger enters his 23rd season with the Brewers and seventh in his current position after being promoted on January 23, 2019. He has previously held roles with the organization as executive vice president of business operations (2003-10) and chief operating officer (2011-18).
Schlesinger oversees the organization¡¯s business operations, including finance, human resources, information technology, legal, sponsorships, marketing, ticketing, business analytics, broadcasting, communications, stadium operations and non-baseball special events.
In addition, he oversees American Family Fields of Phoenix (the team¡¯s Spring Training complex) and the business operations of the Carolina Mudcats, the organization¡¯s Low-A affiliate. Schlesinger is a member of Major League Baseball¡¯s Youth Baseball and Labor Policy Committees.
Schlesinger serves on the board of directors of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, the board of trustees at Barton College (NC) and on the board of visitors of the University of Wisconsin-Madison History Department.
The Brewers have established records in nearly every aspect of the business during Schlesinger¡¯s tenure. More than 2.5 million fans have passed through the gates of American Family Field in 14 of the past 16 seasons (excluding the 2020 and 2021 restricted capacity seasons). In that time, the organization has built a focus on the fan experience, developed new and enhanced partnerships and completed several major development projects that benefit various stakeholders. Recent major investments in the fan experience at American Family Field include a new main scoreboard and a second digital board in right field (2024), the J. Leinenkugel¡¯s Barrel Yard (2023) and X-Golf (2022). After the success of the 3rd Street Market Hall Annex on the right field Loge Level, the Brewers have added The Alley, Food Truck Park on the left field Loge Level for 2025, partnering with local owners to feature unique Milwaukee fare. Additionally, continued improvements have been made to ease entrance and departure from the ballpark, as MLB Go-Ahead Entry and Express Lanes will be in effect for the 2025 season.
Recently, Schlesinger joined elected officials in leading a successful effort to secure a generational lease extension for the Brewers at American Family Field. The new lease and associated funding to maintain and improve the ballpark ensures that American Family Field will be home to the Brewers through at least 2050.
Prior to joining the organization, Schlesinger spent five seasons (1998-2002) as vice president of business and legal affairs/assistant general manager for the Anaheim Angels. He previously worked for Walt Disney Pictures and Television in motion picture development and production (1993-1998) and at the Los Angeles law firm of Latham and Watkins (1986-1993).
A Phi Beta Kappa graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1983, Schlesinger received his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School (cum laude) in 1986. A native of Bayside, Wisconsin, he currently resides in Hartland, Wisconsin, with his wife, Kate. They have five children, Bradley, Sam, Caitlin, Molly and Mathieu.