Michael Williamson leaves D.C. United for Inter Milan; Tom Hunt selected as new COO

When this rumor first came out, it was widely mocked and dismissed as impossible. However, it has now come to pass: D.C. United chief operating officer Michael Williamson has left the team to take over as chief financial officer for Inter Milan. Williamson originally joined D.C. United in 2007 as the team's chief financial officer, and was also given the role of chief operating officer in 2013 after the departure of Kevin Payne.

With the departure of Williamson, the team has hired Tom Hunt to take over as chief operating officer. Hunt joined D.C. United from Monumental Sports & Entertainment, where he served as senior vice president of corporate partnerships. As most of you know, Monumental is the Ted Leonsis-owned company that runs the Washington Wizards, Washington Capitals, and the Washington Mystics, as well as the Verizon Center. Prior to that, Hunt worked for the Sacramento Kings at the same time that D.C. United co-owner Jason Levien was assistant general manager. Mike Schoenbrun has been promoted to chief revenue officer from vice president of business development and partnerships.

In his press release, here is what Hunt had to say about his new job:

"I am thrilled at the chance to lead D.C. United, which is a proud force in Major League Soccer and a respected presence in the District. There is great promise ahead in the 2014 season, and the plans for a new stadium at Buzzard Point give the club a chance to solidify its legacy as a part of this great city."