HONOLULU — When professional teams hoist championship trophies, the spotlight shines on players and coaches. But often, the real magic happens behind the scenes — in boardrooms, analytics labs, and business strategy meetings. Kurt Zwald, an East Honolulu native and Punahou graduate, knows this all too well.
After 14 seasons with the Boston Red Sox, Zwald has taken his expertise to the Seattle Mariners, assuming the role of Senior Director of Business Strategy and Analytics. While the title may sound long, the mission is simple: maximize revenue to create winning teams.
“There’s sort of this virtuous cycle in sports,” Zwald explained. “The more revenue that you generate on the business side, the more you can put that into player payroll, your farm system, etc. The better your on-field product, the more wins, ideally championships. More wins lead to more fan interest, more revenue, and the cycle continues.”
Zwald’s journey began humbly in 2006 with Hawaii Winter Baseball, where he took a sales and marketing position. “When you work at the minor league level, you have your job description, but then there’s a bullet that says ‘other duties as assigned,’” he said. “You’re doing it all. It taught me to be flexible, versatile, and work with a truly diverse group of people.”
After Hawaii Winter Baseball, Zwald pursued an MBA at Dartmouth, a move that propelled him into the Red Sox front office. By 2013, he was part of the team when Boston captured the World Series, and he enjoyed another title five years later. Yet for Zwald, the victories weren’t just about trophies.
“The championships and celebrations are great, but really, it’s the people you do it with,” he said. “Colleagues, coworkers, teammates — those are the friends you have for life and the memories you’ll never forget.”
Zwald’s move to Seattle in October isn’t just a career milestone — it’s a personal one. Closer proximity to family back in Hawaii makes the Mariners opportunity even more meaningful. And he’s passionate about inspiring the next generation of Hawaii athletes and professionals.
“If my role, my career, or even a conversation with a student in Hawaii can help them see a path to a career in sports, that’s incredibly fulfilling,” Zwald said. “It’s exciting to see more Hawaii people in the industry. Even without a pro team in the islands, opportunities exist.”
What Zwald brings to the Mariners is more than financial strategy — it’s a blend of analytical rigor, creative problem-solving, and deep understanding of the human side of sports. His expertise could influence decisions ranging from player acquisitions to ticket pricing, sponsorships, and fan engagement initiatives. In short, he’s positioned to touch nearly every aspect of the franchise.
“The Mariners are a team on the rise,” an industry insider said. “Adding someone like Zwald behind the scenes could accelerate their growth, not just on the field but in how the organization operates.”
Zwald sees his journey as proof that Hawaii talent can make an impact at the highest levels of professional sports. From minor league sales in Hawaii to World Series rings with Boston, and now a leadership role in Seattle, his story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and vision.
“For anyone in Hawaii thinking about a career in sports — don’t let geography limit your dreams,” he said. “If I can do it, there’s no reason they can’t.”
As the Mariners prepare for the 2026 season, Zwald’s influence may not be immediately visible in the box score. But make no mistake: his decisions could ripple across the franchise, shaping the team’s future and redefining the role of business and analytics in baseball success.
For Zwald, it’s about more than wins and profits. It’s about creating a legacy, inspiring others, and showing that even a kid from Honolulu can leave a mark on the major leagues. And if the early buzz is any indication, Seattle fans may soon be feeling the impact — one strategic move at a time.
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