John Walker is in his sixth season with the Phoenix Suns organization, and was recently promoted to Senior Vice President of Business Development – April, 2005. In this role, he is responsible for strategic planning, ticket operations, ticket sales, suite sales and customer retention programs, as well as all customer relationship management (CRM) initiatives for the Phoenix Suns (NBA), Phoenix Mercury (WNBA), Arizona Rattlers (AFL), Phoenix Roadrunners (ECHL), America West Arena and the Dodge Theatre.

Walker joined the organization as vice president of ticket operations and sales in 2000, and has been involved in the development of new revenue streams for the Suns, including the creation of new premium seating concepts (Loge Boxes and Courtside Club seats). In addition, he directed the launch of Downtown Live, a monthly e-newsletter promoting events for the entire organization and was responsible for the implementation of Microsoft CRM in 2004. He has 19 years of experience in the ticket sales and operations industry, including stints as the director of ticketing with the Kansas City Royals (MLB) from 1995-2000 and the athletic ticket manager at the University of Oklahoma from 1990-95. Walker began his career in the ticket office at West Virginia University in 1986 as the staff accountant, followed by 18-months as the assistant ticket manager for the University of Pittsburgh’s athletic department in 1988-90.

A native of Morgantown, WV, Walker graduated from Morgantown High School, received his BS in Sports Management from West Virginia University (’86) and earned his master’s degree in Sports Management at the University of Oklahoma (’95). He is on the board of directors for Special Olympics-Arizona and serves on the Visiting Committee for the School of Physical Education at WVU.