(PHOENIX, May 7, 2007) – The Harlem Globetrotters have announced the appointment of Kurt Schneider as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer.  Schneider succeeds Mannie Jackson, who made history in 1993 as the first African-American to own a major international sports and entertainment organization.  Schneider will assume his new role immediately.

“I am thrilled to be part of an organization with such a rich history of entertaining people from all walks of life, and I will commit my efforts to increase the visibility and awareness of the Globetrotters worldwide,” stated Schneider. “I am very excited about our new management initiatives for next season, and I am eager to help take the Globetrotters to the next level.”

Schneider comes to the Globetrotters from World Wrestling Entertainment, where, since 2003, he was Executive Vice President, responsible for all marketing/public relations, pay-per-view, global live events, talent branding and international business.  A graduate of Dartmouth, Schneider has also held high-ranking positions with FOX Sports Net and the Walt Disney Company, and was the President and CEO of Asimba, Inc, a venture-backed Internet company.

Jackson, a former Globetrotters player, laid the foundation for the move after selling 80-percent of the team to Shamrock Capital Growth Fund in September 2005.  He will remain as the Globetrotters’ Chairman of the Board and still owns 20 percent of the team.

“The Globetrotters have been an integral part of my life for decades,” said Jackson, “but after 15 years of working 16-plus hours a day, seven days a week, it is time to step back, recharge my batteries and channel my energy into other things.”

Shamrock, based in Burbank, Calif., is the investment entity of the Roy E. Disney family, founded in 1978 by Mr. Disney and Stanley P. Gold, Shamrock’s president and chief executive. 

“Kurt brings strong leadership, energy, enthusiasm and skill to the Globetrotters,” said Bob Perille, a managing director of Shamrock.  “We are extremely pleased about his decision to join the team and look forward to some exciting changes to the Harlem Globetrotters.”   

Sponsored by Campbell Soup Company, the Harlem Globetrotters are celebrating their 81st Anniversary in 2007.  The Globetrotters have played before over 125 million fans worldwide and in 118 countries on six continents.  For the latest news and information about the Globetrotters, and to purchase team merchandise, visit the team’s official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com.