Before 2009, the Executive of the Year was presented annually by Sporting News, but was officially recognized by the NBA.
Jerry Colangelo, the first general manager for the Phoenix Suns, is the only person to win the award four times.
Bob Bass, R. C. Buford, Wayne Embry, Bob Ferry, Stan Kasten, Jerry Krause, Bob Myers, Geoff Petrie, Jerry West, as well as Jerry Colangelo's son Bryan Colangelo, have all won the award twice.
Larry Bird, Frank Layden and Pat Riley joined Red Auerbach as the only recipients to have also received NBA Coach of the Year.
Bird is also the only winner to receive the NBA Most Valuable Player in addition to either of the Coach or Executive of the Year awards.