Florida Panthers hire Michael White as business president

The Florida Panthers have named Michael White as their new president of business operations, bringing a wealth of experience from the tech and entertainment sectors to the NHL franchise.[1][2] White, who spent time at Amazon’s Zoox developing autonomous vehicles and held senior roles at Disney, will oversee all business aspects of the team’s four facilities. The announcement came on March 31, 2026, marking a key hire for the organization fresh off Stanley Cup wins in 2024 and 2025.

White’s decision to join was heavily influenced by Panthers president of hockey operations Bill Zito, who reached out while leading the U.S. men’s hockey team to gold at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Their instant rapport sealed the deal, positioning White to contribute to the team’s continued growth.

Michael’s extensive background in tech and guest experience

Michael White brings over 25 years of expertise in technology and enhancing customer experiences to the Panthers. His most recent role was as chief product officer at Zoox, Amazon’s autonomous vehicle company, where he spearheaded the development of robotaxis.[1] This innovative work highlights his ability to launch complex strategies, a skill the Panthers value highly.

Prior to Zoox, White held several senior leadership positions at The Walt Disney Company. He played a pivotal role in executing the NBA’s 2019-20 season restart in the Disney bubble near Orlando amid the COVID-19 pandemic. That high-stakes operation demonstrated his prowess in managing large-scale events under pressure.

White’s track record includes proven success in consumer experience and product development for global giants. Ownership group member Michael Viola praised him, saying, “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.”[1]

The Panthers conducted a thorough search before selecting White, confident in his fit for driving business success. His blend of tech savvy and entertainment know-how aligns perfectly with modern sports franchises.

The pivotal Zito-White partnership

Bill Zito’s call from Italy was the spark that ignited White’s move to Sunrise, Florida. Zito, architect of the Panthers’ back-to-back Stanley Cups, connected with White during the Olympics leadership stint. They extended an initial 30-minute meeting to 90 minutes, with potential for more.

White described the chemistry: “We clicked automatically… he’s one of one, a legend, but also somebody that you want to partner with.”[1] This alignment promises a unified front office vision.

Zito’s hockey operations success complements White’s business acumen. Together, they aim to sustain the winning culture White immediately sensed upon meeting 300 front-office staff.

The duo’s collaboration starts strong, setting a foundation for innovation across operations.

Overseeing the Panthers’ key facilities

White steps into a role managing four vital venues, each central to the Panthers’ ecosystem:

• Amerant Bank Arena: Home of the NHL team, hosting games and events.
• Baptist Health IcePlex: State-of-the-art practice facility with NHL-sized rinks and public programs.[3]
• Panthers IceDen: Community-focused ice center for youth and adult hockey.
• War Memorial Auditorium: Multi-purpose venue tied to the Fort Lauderdale complex.[4]

These facilities demand strategic oversight for revenue, fan engagement, and maintenance. White’s guest experience background will enhance offerings here.

A pressing challenge awaits: by fall 2028, proposals for surrounding Amerant Bank Arena property development must go to Broward County officials. White’s visionary skills could shape long-term growth.

Replacing Caldwell amid organizational momentum

White replaces Matthew Caldwell, who departed in August for CEO roles with the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx. Caldwell’s exit created a void in business leadership.

The Panthers’ culture impressed White from day one. “The organization is world-class… unbelievable ownership… the winning that the team has done, and Bill’s done, the culture… it just permeates through,” he said.[1]

Recent championships and top-tier facilities underscore the franchise’s rise. White’s arrival bolsters this trajectory.

For more on the hire, see the full ESPN report.[1]

White’s hire signals the Panthers’ commitment to blending hockey excellence with business innovation. With Zito’s proven hockey blueprint and White’s operational firepower, the franchise eyes sustained dominance and arena-area expansion by 2028. Fans can expect elevated experiences across all venues, fueling the next chapter of success in Sunrise.