CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Hornets have named their next president of business operations.
Shelly Cayette-Weston was hired for the position. She spent the last 12 years with the Cleveland Cavaliers, including two as executive vice president and chief commercial officer.
In her role, Cayette-Weston will oversee the day-to-day business operations of the Hornets, Greensboro Swarm, Hornets Venom GT, and the Spectrum Center.
“We are pleased to welcome Shelly to Hornets Sports & Entertainment,” Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin, chairmen of the Hornets ownership group, said in a release. “As we’ve gotten to know Shelly, we have been struck by her leadership skills, her experience, and her ability to build relationships with key constituencies such as corporate partners, ticket holders, and community members."
Cayette-Weston previously oversaw the development and growth of several Cavaliers business ventures.
Her time in Charlotte won't be her first time working with a Hornets franchise. Before joining the Cavaliers, Cayette-Weston worked in the marketing and business department of the New Orleans Hornets -- now Pelicans -- for five years.
"I’m incredibly excited to join Hornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE) and become a part of the Charlotte community. I am appreciative of my last 12 years with the Cavaliers and thankful to ownership, the leadership team, and all the many team members that supported me over the years,” Cayette-Weston said. “This is a compelling time for HSE, with Rick and Gabe’s passion, vision, and commitment, in addition to the transformative arena renovations and the new basketball leadership of Jeff Peterson and Charles Lee."
The Hornets' new ownership group took over before the 2023-2024 season and has shown quick interest in pointing the team in the right direction on and off the court. Charlotte suffered a dreadful 21-61 season but was active at the NBA trade deadline and made a big splash with the hire of Charles Lee to be the team's next head coach. HSE also announced new investments into the renovated Spectrum Center and showed a big commitment to the team.