Panthers name new president of business operations. What to know
The Florida Panthers on Tuesday announced Michael White has been named the team’s president of business operations.
White, who replaces Matthew Caldwell, will oversee all business aspects of the Panthers’ four operated facilities: Amerant Bank Arena, Baptist Health IcePlex, Panthers IceDen & War Memorial Auditorium.
“We are thrilled to welcome Michael White to our Panthers family. After a diligent and comprehensive search, we are confident that Michael is the right fit to lead our organization into continued success,” Panthers owner Michael Viola said in a press release announcing the hire. “He brings to our club a proven record in consumer experience, partnership growth and product development for some of the world’s most successful companies and invaluable capabilities of organizational leadership and visionary innovation. Michael will play a key role in our next phase of growth as we work to deliver memorable experiences for sports and entertainment fans.”
Prior to joining the Panthers, White most recently served as Chief Product Officer at Amazon’s autonomous vehicle company, Zoox, for the past two years. In that role, he led consumer strategy, go-to-market, business development, and live operations for the world’s first purpose-built autonomous robotaxi. He also helped design and operationalize an AI-powered customer experience while advancing commercial partnerships.
White, who will be formally introduced at a news conference later Tuesday at Amerant Bank Arena prior to the Panthers’ game against the Ottawa Senators, also spent 11 years at the Walt Disney Company in multiple senior roles, three years with the Apollo Group and a decade a Yahoo that included a two-year stint as the company’s senior director of strategy and technology.
“From the moment I met the Viola family, it was instantly clear to me how much the Florida Panthers mean to them and how important this organization is to the South Florida community. My family and I are beyond excited to join a world-class group that values success not only by its championships on the ice, but its impact off it as well,” White said in the press release announcing his hire. “I am thrilled to bring my experience combining exceptional hospitality and cutting-edge technology to serve Florida Panthers fans at Amerant Bank Arena and all entities of our organization.”
Caldwell, who White is replacing, had been with the Panthers since 2014 before leaving in August to become the CEO of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx. He first as the team’s chief operating officer before being promoted to president and CEO two years later. He played a pivotal role in building a front office team that is setting franchise records in ticket sales, TV viewership, and sponsorship revenue. The Panthers have a lengthy waiting list for season tickets. The team also be hosted an outdoor game this season for the first time in franchise history on Jan. 2 at loanDepot park, home of the Miami Marlins.
Caldwell’s leadership also ensured the franchise’s long-term presence in Broward County through arena lease negotiations along with the development of Panthers-operated facilities such as FTL War Memorial.
This story will be updated.
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