Portland Timbers promote Ned Grabavoy as new general manager

The Portland Timbers have named their new general manager, promoting Ned Grabavoy from his role as technical director.

Grabavoy is in his eighth season at the club, having ended his playing career as a midfielder in MLS with Portland in 2016 before stepping into the Front Office. The Timbers' sporting operation was previously overseen by Gavin Wilkinson, who the club parted ways with in October 2022.

"I feel fortunate to have been a part of this incredible organization for eight years now," Grabavoy said in a statement. "I would like to thank Merritt Paulson for his continued belief and support in me personally. 

"I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to continue working with Gio Savarese, the assistant coaches, and all of the incredible individuals that help make up our support staff here with the Portland Timbers. I believe our collective efforts will lead us to achieving success together."

Grabavoy spent four seasons as the Timbers' technical director, overseeing the club's scouting, recruitment, and transfer strategies, while working closely with the previous GM on roster and budget management.

Given his experience with the club, he's already formed a close working relationship with head coach Giovanni Savarese, who took up the role in 2017 - just one year after Grabavoy ended his playing career.

"I’ve had the pleasure of working with Ned for many years now. He has been working towards this moment and I believe he is deserving of this promotion," Savarese said in a release. "Ned has my full support, as well as the entire technical staff, as we enter a new phase in the club. I look forward to accomplishing great things together."