Florida Panthers Hire Michael White as New Business Operations President

The Florida Panthers officially named former Amazon and Disney executive Michael White as their new business operations president on Tuesday.

SUNRISE, Fla. — The Florida Panthers officially announced on Tuesday the hiring of Michael White as the franchise's new business operations president. White, a veteran executive with a 25-year career in technology and guest experience, joins an organization that secured back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2024 and 2025. He fills the vacancy left by Matthew Caldwell, who departed the club in August to assume the role of CEO for the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves and the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx.

White’s transition to the NHL began with a phone call last month from Italy. The caller was Bill Zito, the Panthers' hockey operations president and architect of the team's recent championship runs. At the time, Zito was serving as part of the leadership staff for the U.S. men's hockey team, which earned a gold medal at the Milan Cortina Olympics. An initial 30-minute introductory meeting between the two executives extended to 90 minutes, establishing a partnership that White cited as a primary reason for joining the South Florida organization.

Management of Four Major Facilities and Development Deadlines

In his new capacity as business chief, White will oversee all business aspects of the Panthers' four primary facilities. This portfolio includes Amerant Bank Arena, the Baptist Health IcePlex, the Panthers IceDen, and the War Memorial Auditorium. One of his most pressing administrative tasks involves a 2028 deadline set by Broward County. The Panthers have until the fall of that year to submit formal development proposals for the land surrounding Amerant Bank Arena, the team's primary home ice.

Michael Viola, representing the Panthers' ownership family, stated that White was selected following a diligent and comprehensive search. Viola highlighted White's proven record in product development and consumer experience as invaluable assets for the club's continued growth. White recently addressed a front-office staff of approximately 300 employees, noting that the existing culture and the winning environment established by the Violas and Zito were significant draws for his move to Sunrise.

Executive Background at Amazon and The Walt Disney Company

Before joining the NHL, White served as the Chief Product Officer at Zoox, Amazon's autonomous vehicle subsidiary. During his tenure there, he focused on the development of an autonomous robotaxi. While the team joked that Zambonis still require human drivers to resurface the ice at hockey rinks, the Panthers' leadership emphasized that White’s experience launching complex strategies in the tech sector set him apart from other candidates.

White also brings extensive experience from The Walt Disney Company, where he held several senior leadership positions. His resume includes a pivotal role in executing the restart of the 2019-20 NBA season. That season was completed within a secure "bubble" environment on the Disney campus near Orlando, Florida, following the global sports shutdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This background in high-stakes logistics and guest services is expected to translate to the management of the Panthers' various entertainment and athletic venues.

Strategic Partnership with Bill Zito

Michael White described Bill Zito as a "legend" and a "one of one" executive, emphasizing the importance of their professional alignment. The two have remained in constant contact since their initial discussions during the Milan Cortina Olympics. White noted that the organization's world-class status and the reputation of the Viola family played a decisive role in his departure from his previous executive position.

The hire marks a significant shift in the Panthers' front office as they look to capitalize on their recent on-ice success. With two Stanley Cup trophies in the building and a gold-medal-winning hockey operations president in Zito, White is tasked with scaling the business side of the operation to match the team's championship pedigree. His expertise in partnership growth and visionary innovation will be central to the team's efforts to maximize the value of their real estate holdings and facility operations through the end of the decade.