Luukko to chair Philly Sports Holdings

Peter A. Luukko, who resigned unexpectedly in December as president and chief operating officer of Comcast-Spectacor, has been named chairman of Philly Sports Holdings L.L.C., an Exton company that distributes sports memorabilia and organizes meet-and-greet events with professional athletes.

Luukko, 54, worked closely for a quarter-century with Flyers founder Ed Snider, overseeing the team and serving as a member of the NHL board of governors. He also oversaw Comcast-Spectacor's facility-management business, which runs more than 125 sports arenas, stadiums, and convention centers.

Philly Sports Holdings, a privately held company that identifies Luukko as an investor, was founded in 2012 and owns Sports Vault and Strategic Sports Marketing.

Sports Vault sells memorabilia via its SportsVaultShop.com website and retail outlets at the King of Prussia, Moorestown, and Exton Square malls. Strategic Sports Marketing runs events where fans can meet athletes and get autographs as they purchase memorabilia, said spokeswoman Susan Buehler.

Luukko's experience, Buehler said, would oversee the launch next month of "Sports Vault Access," which the company says will provide fans "with unparalleled access to athletes through unique events and meet-and-greet opportunities."

"This new venture will be a little more exclusive," Buehler said. "Things like 'Play golf with Brian Dawkins,' go fishing with an athlete - a more personal experience."