Those positions were previously held by Dan Flynn, who announced he was stepping down in November 2018.

Wilson is described by US Soccer as "a seasoned executive who brings a strong vision and a proven track record of developing and implementing sound strategies in all aspects of the business", but joins at a difficult time.

Carlos Cordeiro resigned as President earlier this month due to the backlash against disparaging comments directed towards women in court papers submitted as part of a lawsuit brought against US Soccer by a collective of 28 women's players.

Cindy Parlow Cone is the new President and said she was "thrilled" by the new appointment.

Wilson joins from sports agency Wasserman, where he had been executive vice-president and co-head of football for eight years and launched the company's National Football League (NFL) division. 

Wasserman's first NFL client was his nephew, Andrew Luck, who was the first pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Wilson said he is "very excited" to join US Soccer.

“I have always admired the federation from afar and have long felt that the US Soccer crest is one of the best brands in the business", Wilson said.

He added that he was keen to "grow participation levels, increase our commercial business and drive our ability to compete on the field at the highest level."

Wilson officially starts on March 30 and has worked in football in the United States previously.

From 2008 to 2012, he held the title of executive vice-president of international business and special events for Major League Soccer (MLS) and Soccer United Marketing (SUM).

The relationship between US Soccer and SUM, a for-profit marketing firm owned by MLS owners, is a contentious subject.

Per the US Soccer statement confirming his appointment, Wilson is fluent in Spanish.