Tampa Bay Lightning Names New CEO

The Tampa Bay Lightning will head into the next season with a new chief executive officer at the helm.

Lightning President Steve Grigg’s has been promoted to the spot on the heels of former CEO Tod Leiweke’s Friday resignation, the team reported on its website. Leiweke has accepted the chief operating officer position with the National Football League.

Lieweke has been a part of the Lightning’s executive team for five years.

“Tod has been instrumental in our franchise transformation and I am grateful for all his work and dedication,” Jeff Vinik, the Lightning’s chairman, stated in a media release. “During Tod’s five years with the Lightning, we have set our franchise on a trajectory for excellence with Steve Griggs and an outstanding management team working beside him every step of the way. Steve is ready for the additional responsibilities that come with being CEO, and, as a testament to Tod, we will not miss a beat moving forward.”

Griggs is a 22-year sports industry veteran who has worked for such other organizations as the Minnesota Wild and the Orlando Magic.

Meanwhile, Lightning vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman will continue to report directly to Vinik.

The Tampa Bay Lightning are fresh off a winning season that saw them earn the Eastern Conference Championship title before advancing to the Stanley Cup Finals. The team hits the ice again for preseason play starting Sept. 22 at the Amalie Arena against the Nashville Predators.

Do you think the leadership changes will have any effect on the team? Share your thoughts by commenting below.