re: Hiring a new General Manager, what are you looking for?

Really not all that different from choosing a leader in any organization in any industry, traits-wise. Someone who understands they're not the smartest person in every room they walk into, surrounds themselves with smart people and allows them the freedom to do their job within the parameters the organization has set for them, creates an environment that welcomes others' advice/suggestions, and uses those suggestions to make the most informed decision they can.

Lastly, decisive. There's going to be times they make the wrong call, no one is perfect. But, I'd want someone who acts decisively with the most up-to-date information available. Indecision is a killer.

I'd be fine hiring someone who hasn't been the head person before if they had provable experience working just under the head guy somewhere else and has good references from that stop.