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Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott announced Thursdy that Jamie Zaninovich, West Coast Conference Commissioner, will become the Pac-12 Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer effective July 1, 2014.
Zaninovich replaces Kevin Weiberg, who is stepping down at the end of this academic year after serving in the same role for the past four years.
Currently in his seventh year as WCC commissioner, Zaninovich has led the conference through a period of unprecedented growth, transformed the conference basketball championships into successful events, brought forward television advances that have showcased the WCC's brand regionally and nationally, and launched a conference-controlled digital platform.
Zaninovich has been a member of NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committee since 2011-12 and is a Past Chair of the Division I Collegiate Commissioners Association Division I Subdivision.
In his new role with the Pac-12, Zaninovich will have the oversight responsibility for all aspects of the Conference's operations, including governance, enforcement, compliance, sports management, championships, football bowl relationships, officiating, and television administration.
"We are excited to welcome such an accomplished leader in intercollegiate athletics to the Pac-12," said Scott. "Jamie brings invaluable experience leading the WCC and has established himself as one of the influential national voices in our industry. He will be a great asset to our universities as we continue to pursue an ambitious agenda as the most innovative and best collegiate conference."
At the completion of this academic year, Weiberg will relocate to his home state of Kansas but will continue to work for the conference on a part-time basis to provide leadership and support for the Pac-12 Globalization Initiative, the conference's new football bowl partnerships, as well as other projects that will be part of Zaninovich's responsibilities.
"The Pac-12 has been unbelievably fortunate to have Kevin's leadership and counsel over the last four years," said Scott. "He has been instrumental in all our accomplishments and has been a tremendous partner to our universities."
Zaninovich is a graduate of Stanford University and Stanford University Graduate School of Business. Prior to the WCC, he served as Senior Associate Athletic Director at Princeton University (2003-2008), Senior Assistant Athletic Director at Stanford University (2001-2003), and Director of Men's Basketball Operations & Marketing at Stanford University (1996-1999).
"It has been a great privilege to work aside my exceptional colleagues at the West Coast Conference for these past six years," said Zaninovich. "I am now thrilled to join Commissioner Scott and the Pac-12, as it continues to set the pace in intercollegiate athletics. As a proud Pac-12 alum, I look forward to working closely with our universities to advance their strategic goals and promote the Pac-12's excellence in academics and athletics."
A former Big 12 Commissioner and Big Ten executive, Weiberg is one of the most respected executives in all of intercollegiate athletics.
"It has been an honor to be part of Commissioner Scott's leadership team and to serve our great universities. Together we have exceeded our ambitious agenda over the last four years, but I am ready for more flexibility at this point of my career."