Dan Near

Dan Near
Near with the adidas jerseys worn at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey
Born
Daniel Robert Near

(1980-10-06) October 6, 1980 (age 44)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
EducationB.A., Arts and Sciences, University of Western Ontario
Masters of Business Administration, University of Miami, Ohio
OccupationCommissioner of the Western Hockey League

Daniel Robert Near (born October 6, 1980) is a Canadian ice hockey executive, and commissioner of the Western Hockey League (WHL).[1][2] He previously worked at Adidas in a variety of roles between 2016 and 2023, including Global Head of Hockey, leading adidas' entry into Ice Hockey and management of its NHL partnership, and later senior director, Creation Centre Portland. Previous to that, he served as senior director, consumer products and licensing at the National Hockey League.

Early life and education

Near was born in Toronto, Ontario to parents John and Nancy in 1980. The oldest of three siblings, Near grew up in Markham, Ontario, and attended secondary school at St. Andrew's College, an all boys private school in Aurora, Ontario. He was active in athletics, playing competitive baseball, hockey, football, and lacrosse.

Near obtained a bachelor's degree in Administrative and Commercial Studies with a Finance concentration from Huron University College. While there he was a member of the Western University Mustangs football team in the 1999-2000 season. He obtained a Master's in business administration from Miami University in Ohio in 2006.

Business career

National Hockey League

From 2006 to 2016, Near worked as a Marketing Executive for the National Hockey League, based at the league head offices in Manhattan. Serving as the Director of Consumer Products and Licensing for the NHL, he was responsible for retail marketing and global development in all channels of distributions for the NHL's consumer products business, and helped NHL's consumer products business reach more than 1B in annual retail sales.[3]

Adidas

From 2016 to 2023, Near served as the Global Head of Adidas Hockey, based in Portland, Oregon. During Near's tenure, Adidas signed multiple high-profile NHL athletes to sponsorship contracts, including Sidney Crosby, P.K. Subban, and Brent Burns.[4] Near also led the team that spearheaded the popular "Reverse Retro" NHL jersey program.[1][5]

WHL commissioner

Near was announced as the commissioner of the Western Hockey League on November 30, 2023.[6] Near was chosen for the role of commissioner following a search led by Vancouver Giants owner Ron Toigo. Near officially assumed the role of commissioner on February 15, 2024, succeeding Ron Robison who retired from the Western Hockey Leagues after 24 years as WHL commissioner.[7]

Awards and recognitions

In 2013, Near was named to the Sporting Goods Business 40 under 40.[8] In 2016, Near was named one of George Brown College's 5 to Watch winners for his work as Global Head of Adidas Hockey.[9] In Jan 2023, Near was ranked number 52 on The Hockey News' list of People of Power and Influence in the world of hockey.[10]

Personal life

Near is married with three children and resides in Calgary, Alberta. Prior to taking the position as WHL commissioner, Near and his family resided in Portland, Oregon.[11]

References

  1. ^ a b "Adidas executive Dan Near tabbed to become next WHL commissioner". The Globe and Mail. November 30, 2023. Archived from the original on December 25, 2023. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  2. ^ Clipperton, Joshua (November 30, 2023). "Adidas executive Dan Near tabbed to become next WHL commissioner". The Toronto Star. Archived from the original on February 25, 2024. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  3. ^ "WHL introduces new Commissioner Dan Near". The Red Deer Advocate. November 30, 2023.
  4. ^ Newcomb, Tim (November 28, 2018). "The Creation Of Adidas Hockey: Forging A New Way To Relate To Consumers, NHL". Forbes Magazine. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  5. ^ "Adidas executive Dan Near tabbed to become next WHL commissioner". The Province. The Canadian Press. November 30, 2023.
  6. ^ "Incoming WHL Commissioner Media Conference". Western Hockey League. November 30, 2023. Retrieved December 25, 2023 – via YouTube.
  7. ^ "Adidas executive Dan Near announced as next WHL commissioner". Sportsnet. November 29, 2023. Archived from the original on August 2, 2024. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
  8. ^ "The SportsOneSource Group Announces 2013 SGB 40 Under 40 Class". SGB Media (press release). April 1, 2013. Archived from the original on December 25, 2023. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  9. ^ "The 2016 5 to Watch Winners & Sport and Event Alumni Achievement Winner". George Brown College. 2016. Archived from the original on September 9, 2024. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  10. ^ "The Hockey News' People of Power and Influence 2023: Dan Near". The Hockey News. January 27, 2023. Archived from the original on December 25, 2023. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  11. ^ "Adidas executive Dan Near to become next WHL commissioner". CTV Calgary. November 30, 2023. Retrieved August 1, 2024.