By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Zalgiris Kaunas announced that Paulius Jankunas is promoted to general manager, replacing former GM Paulius Motiejunas. Motiejunas had to permanently step down from the position after being voted to become the EuroLeague interim CEO for the 2023-24 season.
Jankunas, a longtime Zalgiris player and club legend, was previously the deputy general manager of the organization under Motiejunas.
Per Zalgiris:
Paulius Motiejunas, who was appointed as the Euroleague CEO last week, announced at a press conference on Tuesday that he will be replaced by Paulius Jankunas as the new GM of Zalgiris Kaunas.
“All the sporting part is being taken over by Paulius Jankunas and Zalgiris as a basketball club is being taken over by all the employees who will put their shoulders together and continue their work. When I step down as CEO, I will make sure that Zalgiris stays on track and keeps going. Personally, I think that the organization will definitely continue to grow. If the Euroleague grows, Zalgiris will grow,” Motiejunas told in a press conference.
Motiejunas joined the Lithuanian champions in 2007 as Director of Communications, later became General Manager and since 2013 has been the club’s President and owner.
Jankunas joined Zalgiris in the summer of 2022, when he finished his playing career.
“The mood is good, I’m very happy, but I also realize that the responsibility is great,” said Jankunas, who will become the new Zalgiris GM. – “During the last year in Zalgiris’ administration, I learned a lot from Motiejunas, he was the person who showed me how everything works. As he said, he doesn’t leave me here alone. This is the whole Zalgiris organiZation with all the departments, and these are people who understand their job, have done it until now and have brought Zalgiris to the level it is today. They will continue to work with us. I’m just joining more activities and I’m very happy about it.”
Motiejunas, who has succeeded Marshall Glickman as the EuroLeague CEO, is currently confirmed to hold the position for the 2023-24 season.