(Photo credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images)

New York City FC sporting director David Lee is leaving the club to take over as president of soccer operations and general manager of Sporting Kansas City.

SKC announced Tuesday that Lee signed a seven-year contract lasting through 2032.

Lee had worked for NYCFC since 2014, moving up from director of player recruitment to technical director. He had held the sporting director title since November 2019.

'After joining New York City FC in 2014 as one of the first employees and working in various roles for more than a decade, I have decided to accept a significant new challenge with Sporting Kansas City,' Lee said in a statement. 'This was an incredibly difficult decision to make, but I believe ultimately, this is the right time for me and my family.'

With Lee in the front office, NYCFC won the 2021 MLS Cup to collect their first trophy.

'Playing a part in growing this amazing club from the ground up has been a truly unique opportunity and a tremendous honor,' Lee said. 'Together we created one of the most consistently high-performing teams in MLS, and winning our first MLS Cup in 2021 will always be one of the proudest moments of my career and one of the highlights of my life.'

Sporting Kansas City (7-19-6, 27 points) have been eliminated from playoff contention and sit 14th place in the 15-team Western Conference.

In Kansas City, Lee will oversee sporting director Mike Burns and have a decision to make at head coach. The club fired longtime coach Peter Vermes early this season and Kerry Zavagnin has served as the interim head coach.

'As we enter a new era for Sporting Kansas City, this is the most important decision we could make,' SKC co-principal owner Michael Illig said in a statement. 'After a six-month global search, David was the clear and undeniable choice. He will lead our soccer operation with our full trust and confidence. David brings fresh vision, global experience and relentless ambition. With his leadership, we are committed to building a team that reflects the pride of our community while striving for the highest levels of Major League Soccer. This is the beginning of a new chapter for Sporting Kansas City and one that we believe will carry our club into a future of renewed success and shared pride with our supporters.'

'Sporting Kansas City has a proud history, a passionate fanbase and a winning culture,' Lee said. 'I want to thank the ownership group for this special opportunity and look forward to building on the strong foundation that has been established in this great soccer city. I am excited to work with the players, coaches and staff to achieve our shared ambitions and I look forward to meeting our incredible fans.'

--Field Level Media