Large modifications are underway in Dawn, they usually’re occurring off the ice.
The Florida Panthers introduced Wednesday that President and CEO Matthew Caldwell will step down after practically a decade with the franchise. Caldwell is leaving to change into the brand new CEO of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx.
Caldwell joined the Panthers in 2014 and rapidly turned a central determine in reshaping a staff as soon as struggling for relevance. Underneath his management, the Panthers developed right into a back-to-back Stanley Cup champion with a status for stability and ambition. He performed a key function in constructing the group’s identification each on the ice and behind the scenes.
In reflecting on his tenure, Caldwell known as his time in Dawn “the spotlight of my skilled profession,” and thanked the Viola household, homeowners of the Panthers. “I will likely be ceaselessly grateful for the chance to have led this historic franchise turnaround,” he stated.
That turnaround included a number of pivotal strikes. Caldwell was instrumental in hiring Normal Supervisor Invoice Zito in 2020, a choice that has paid dividends with Zito assembling one of many NHL’s deepest and best rosters. He additionally helped oversee the event of the staff’s state-of-the-art apply facility in Fort Lauderdale, an indication of the group’s dedication to long-term success.
Panthers proprietor Vincent Viola praised Caldwell’s management, noting his affect throughout all features of the franchise. “Matt has led by instance, serving our staff, shoppers, followers and the South Florida neighborhood with ardour and professionalism,” Viola stated. “His dedication drove our franchise turnaround and helped instill a tradition of excellence.”
Whereas Viola acknowledged it’s bittersweet to see Caldwell go away, he stated the transfer represents a “tremendously distinctive alternative” as Caldwell joins the Timberwolves and Lynx alongside high-profile homeowners Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore.
The Panthers are turning to a well-known face to succeed Caldwell. Rob Stevenson, who has served as Government Vice President of Folks and Services for the previous three years, has been appointed CEO. Stevenson will oversee Operations, Services Administration, Occasion Providers, Reside Leisure, Hospitality, and the Panthers IceDen and FTL Struggle Memorial complicated.
The management shuffle extends additional. Mark Zarthar, beforehand Chief Technique Officer, has been promoted to Chief Income Officer, taking up further duties for Company Partnerships and Ticket Gross sales & Service, whereas persevering with to supervise Enterprise Intelligence, Model Technique, Broadcast, Communications, and Ticket Operations. He fills a job vacated by Shawn Thornton, the previous NHL enforcer who later transitioned into the Panthers’ government ranks. Thornton’s subsequent profession step has not but been introduced.
One other departure comes with Chief Working Officer Bryce Hollweg stepping down. Michael Viola, the proprietor’s son and staff alternate governor, will oversee the seek for a brand new President of Enterprise Operations and handle the management transition.
For the Panthers, the summer season has been one in all celebration on the ice, however these strikes sign a brand new chapter within the entrance workplace. Caldwell departs with a long-lasting legacy, having guided the Panthers from a struggling franchise to a hockey powerhouse. With new management in place, the main focus now turns to sustaining the championship normal he helped set up.
