Sports
Coyotes’ Xavier Gutierrez Named CEO; Is 1st Latino CEO in NHL History
Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesThe Phoenix Coyotes named Xavier Gutierrez their CEO and team president on Monday, making him the first Latino to hold those positions in NHL history, “This is a historic day for the Coyotes and the entire NHL,” team owner Alex Meruelo said in a statement. “I have known Xavier for over a decade, and he is a…
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
The Phoenix Coyotes named Xavier Gutierrez their CEO and team president on Monday, making him the first Latino to hold those positions in NHL history,
“This is a historic day for the Coyotes and the entire NHL,” team owner Alex Meruelo said in a statement. “I have known Xavier for over a decade, and he is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of business and investment experience. We share the same approach to business and his intellect, leadership skills and strategic mindset made him the clear choice to be our new CEO.”
Meruelo was excited about the hire, wearing a “I sure as s–t want to win” t-shirt during the announcement conference call:
Alexander Kinkopf @AEKinkopf
“Mr. Meruelo and I share a very compelling vision for this franchise,” Gutierrez said. “It is literally on his shirt.” #Yotes https://t.co/jKIe2u7tB3
“I am extremely grateful to Mr. Meruelo for this opportunity to lead the Coyotes, which he loves so dearly, and honored to become the first Latino team president and CEO in NHL history,” Gutierrez said. “This is a very special and proud day for me, my wife Jericca, our son Xavi and our entire extended family.”
Gutierrez, who went to high school in San Jose, said Monday that he was a Sharks fan in the past:
Matt Layman @mattjlayman
New #Coyotes CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez, a Harvard alum, said his first hockey game was a college match between Harvard vs. RPI. He later became a Sharks fan, although I suspect that has changed.
He also said he couldn't wait for the NHL season to resume:
Alexander Kinkopf @AEKinkopf
As far as the #Coyotes qualifying for the NHL's 24-team return-to-play format, Xavier Gutierrez had this to say:
“We don’t have the words to describe how excited we are, how passionate we are that we’re returning to play.”
Alex Meruelo: “Ecstatic.” #Yotes
Gutierrez's resume includes being the managing director at Clearlake Capital Group, the CEO of Meruelo Group and the president and CIO of Meruelo Investment Partners, the principal and managing director of the Phoenix Realty Group and was a financial analyst for the NFL's league office, among other positions.
He takes over for Ahron Cohen, the previous president and CEO.
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