Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - The Chicago White Sox have promoted general manager Ken Williams to the position of executive vice president and named Rick Hahn as the club's new GM.
Hahn has been with the White Sox since October 2000 as the assistant GM under Williams. He helped build the club's World Series championship team in 2005, aiding in player acquisitions, talent evaluation and contract negotiations.
"Kenny and Rick together have worked very successfully over the past 12 seasons, and I am excited to see this dynamic grow and expand as Rick assumes more day-to-day authority and responsibility while Kenny is allowed to focus even more on macro issues, talent evaluation and long-term planning for the organization said," White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement Friday.
Williams had served as the team's general manager for the past 12 seasons and has been part of the front office since 1992. He was the fourth-longest tenured GM in baseball this past season.
"You cannot say enough about Ken Williams' value to the Chicago White Sox, his contributions to our success and the passion he brings to the ballpark each and every day," added Reinsdorf. "Kenny raised the idea of promoting Rick several years ago, and we all have agreed that this is the right time to increase the scope and range of Kenny's involvement while he continues to maintain oversight and final approval on major baseball decisions."
The White Sox finished .500 or better nine times in Williams' 12 seasons as general manager. In addition to the AL Central title and World Series championship in 2005, the White Sox won the division in 2008 and had five second-place finishes during Williams' tenure.
This year's squad finished 85-77 under first-year manager Robin Ventura and held first place for much of the season before the Detroit Tigers caught them down the stretch.
"I am excited about the future of this organization, proud of Robin Ventura's job in 2012, and I am focused on ways we can continue to grow and enhance this organization," Williams said. "While we fell short of our ultimate objectives last season, every one of us is working diligently to improve this team in 2013 and see the White Sox playing in October. We owe that to all of our fans."
Hahn's new duties will include oversight of all player personnel matters, coaching staff decisions and the club's player development and scouting operations.
"I want to thank Jerry and Kenny for allowing me to grow during my 12 seasons with the club and for trusting me with this responsibility and opportunity in my hometown," said Hahn, a Chicago native. "I want nothing more than to win another championship for the city of Chicago and White Sox fans."
The White Sox also named Howard Pizer senior executive vice president. Pizer has served as the club's executive vice president for 32 years and has primary responsibility for the business and administrative operations of the White Sox.
