Round Rock Express co-owner and founder Reid Ryan is leaving his role as CEO of the team in order to take over as President of business operations for the Houston Astros.

The Astros held a press conference May 17 at Minute Maid Park in Houston to announce the hiring of Ryan. Ryan, along with his father, Major League Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan, helped to establish the Express Minor League Baseball team in Round Rock in 2000.

"I'd like to thank the tremendous fans in Round Rock and the entire Central Texas region for their unbelievable support of the Express since its inception," Ryan said. "Without the fans and business community I would have never had this opportunity."

Reid Ryan will maintain his ownership stake in the Express and his move will have no effect on the team's affiliation with the Texas Rangers, according to a team release.

The Express also announced that Reid's younger brother Reese Ryan would take over the role of CEO effective immediately.

"I'm excited for this opportunity for Reid and am honored to carry forward the success the Express has enjoyed as its CEO," Reese Ryan said. "Round Rock has been part of our family for 14 years and it's a privilege to continue the tradition of providing quality family entertainment Reid started here."