The Florida Panthers announced a major move in the team’s front office on Wednesday.

Panthers President and CEO Matthew Caldwell is leaving the organization and becoming the new CEO of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx.

“These past nine years as CEO of the Florida Panthers have been the highlight of my professional career,” Caldwell said in a statement released by the team. “The Viola family has been a second family to me, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to have led this historic franchise turnaround. I am ready for my next challenge and couldn’t be more thrilled to bring our champion mindset to the Minnesota community. The Panthers franchise is in great hands with the executive team and hockey leadership in place and I will be cheering from afar as the team continues its championship run.”

Caldwell joined the team in 2014 and helped oversee a monumental shift in success.

He was part of the group that hired Panthers General Manager Bill Zito in 2020 and played a large role in the building of the team’s new practice facility in Fort Lauderdale.

While mostly behind the scenes, the Panthers would not be in the position they currently find themselves – back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions, a budding dynasty and an incredibly tightknit organization, from the locker room to the front office and everything in-between – without the leadership and guidance of Caldwell.

“Since joining the Panthers in 2014, Matt has led by example, serving our employees, clients, fans and the South Florida community with passion and professionalism,” Panthers Owner Vincent Viola said in the statement. “His determination drove our franchise turnaround and helped instill a culture of excellence, and now he is ready for his next challenge. There are very few opportunities I would advise him to pursue, but working with Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore on a global platform like the NBA is at the top of that list. It’s tremendously bittersweet for our family, but we recognize this is an exceptional opportunity and great next step in his career. Matt’s impact on our organization has been immeasurable and he leaves with our respect and gratitude.”

Following Caldwell’s departure, the Panthers promoted EVP of People and Facilities Rob Stevenson to CEO. He held the EVP role for three years prior and “will continue to lead Operations, Facilities Management and Event Services while adding oversight of Live Entertainment, Hospitality, Panthers IceDen and FTL War Memorial complex,” according to the team.

The Panthers also announced that Mark Zarthar has been named the team’s new Chief Revenue Officer, a promotion after serving as Chief Strategy Officer for the past two-plus years.

He replaces Shawn Thornton, who is also moving on from the organization, and set to join the NBA's Atlanta Hawks as their as Senior Vice President and Chief Partnership Officer, the team announced Wednesday.

Per the team, “Zarthar will continue to oversee Business Intelligence, Brand Strategy, Broadcast, Communications and Ticket Operations while adding responsibility for Corporate Partnerships and Ticket Sales & Service.”

An addition change in the front office comes with the departure of Chief Operating Officer Bryce Hollweg. 

Viola’s son, Michael Viola, who is the team’s alternate governor, will be overseeing the search for a new president of business operations, as well as the transition process, according to the Panthers.

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Photo caption: Panthers President Matthew Caldwell provides update on new practice facility, arena name and more in April of 2023. (David Dwork)