The Boston Celtics announced today that Rich Gotham has been promoted to team President. In his new role, Gotham will be responsible for all aspects of the Celtics business operations, reporting to CEO and Managing Partner Wyc Grousbeck. In addition, he will continue to work closely with Celtics Basketball Operations and the NBA on strategic initiatives and team-related matters. Previous Boston Celtics Presidents include Arnold “Red” Auerbach and Rick Pitino.

“Under Rich’s guidance, the Boston Celtics organization has achieved great success in growing our business,” Grousbeck said. “This promotion recognizes Rich’s leadership in organizing and driving our business efforts and his commitment to excellence in all of the Celtics’ off-court charitable and community activities. I am very pleased that Rich will continue to lead the organization into the future.”

Gotham, a resident of Medfield, Mass., and Providence College alum, joined the Celtics as the Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Corporate Development in April 2003 and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in June of 2006. Prior to working for the Celtics, he had a successful career in the online media and internet technology industries. He spent five years holding senior management positions with the global internet media company Lycos Inc, most recently as Vice President of Sales and Corporate Development. Prior to that, he was Vice President of Channel Sales and Market Development with FTP Software Inc.

“I’m proud of the business foundation we have built over the past few seasons,” Gotham said. “We have a talented and passionate staff who have worked hard to deliver value to our loyal fans, sponsors, and community partners. I’m excited about the team’s future and look forward to the responsibilities that come with being team President.”

“Rich has been a tremendous asset in supporting basketball operations,” Celtics Executive Director of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge said. “I am looking forward to working with Rich and the ownership group in leading the Celtics organization into the future.”

In his role as Celtics team President, Gotham will continue his active involvement with community outreach and fundraising for the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation and its focus partners: Children’s Hospital Boston, Perkins School for the Blind, Massachusetts Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Children, and Horizons for Homeless Children.

In addition, he currently serves as a board member of The Sports Museum, Junior Achievement, and the National Sports Marketing Network. Gotham has also served on Governor Mitt Romney’s Committee for Physical Fitness and Sport and has served in an Advisory Board capacity to several early stage companies.

A graduate of Providence College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, he grew up in Milford, Mass.