Boss turnova: Guppy ready to take Fire reins from Wilt

The Fire announced a surprise change in leadership Monday. JohnGuppy, who had been executive vice president of the MetroStars, willassume the title of president and chief executive officer.

Peter Wilt, who organized the franchise that won the 1998 MajorLeague Soccer title as an expansion team, will continue as generalmanager -- at least for a while.

Once the transition is successful, I will be able to consider newchallenges," Wilt said in a statement. It is emotional to transferleadership of an organization that one helped create, nurture andgrow. At the same time, I understand that I was simply a custodianfor Chicago's professional soccer team."

Wilt and Guppy are scheduled to address the media today in LakeForest. The leadership change was made by Scott Blackmun, chiefoperating officer of Anschutz Entertainment Group, which owns theFire and MetroStars.

The Fire opens its home season Saturday at Soldier Field againstthe San Jose Earthquakes. Next season the team moves to a new stadiumunder construction in Bridgeview.

Guppy, 37, worked in the MetroStars organization for five seasons.Blackmun called him a proven and capable marketing executive who webelieve will capitalize on the commercial opportunities that existfor AEG in the Chicago marketplace."

Peter has done a fantastic job as GM for the past seven years andhas built one of the most successful and respected teams in MLS,"Guppy said in a statement. Just as Peter has helped shape asuccessful past, I hope to shape a successful future."

The Fire did just fine under Wilt, winning three U.S. Open Cupsand reaching the MLS Cup final three times. In 2003 the club had thebest regular-season record in MLS, but it had the worst one lastseason as injuries and national team call-ups took a toll.

John will take over an organization that is on budget and ontarget to set team records in revenue for sponsorships, suites,camps, season tickets and group tickets this season," Wilt said.Group ticket sales for opening day will be more than double any ofthe home openers from the last three years, and we'll follow up witha record Chicago Fire crowd for the April 27 doubleheader with Mexicoand Poland. On the field, I believe we are also positioned for areturn to glory."

Wilt, who grew up in McHenry, has been a longtime leader inChicago soccer. He was general manager of the Power, an indoor teamthat won the 1991 National Professional Soccer League title, beforeguiding the Fire. He's the longest-tenured general manager with thesame team in MLS and the longest-tenured GM of a major-league team inChicago.