CRAIG LEIPOLD, OWNER AND GOVERNOR OF THE MINNESOTA WILD, ANNOUNCES FRONT OFFICE CHANGES
SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Craig Leipold, owner and governor of the National Hockey League's (NHL) Minnesota Wild, announced today a number of executive appointments and staff promotions in business and hockey operations.
Matt Majka, currently Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, has been appointed President of the Minnesota Wild and will serve as Alternate Governor on the NHL Board of Governors. He will have responsibility for the team's overall business units, continuing to report to team owner Craig Leipold. Since joining the Wild in 1997, Majka has been instrumental in fostering the unique connection between the team, its brand and the fans.
"Matt has been a tremendous leader of our business, brand and organizational culture for two decades," said Leipold. "In recognition of his proven record of accomplishments and inspiring passion for creating a greater State of Hockey, I'm proud to name him president of the Minnesota Wild."
Jamie Spencer, Vice President of New Business Development and Assistant to the Chairman, has been promoted to Executive Vice President of Business Development. He will now have responsibility for Community Relations in addition to State of Hockey projects and new avenues of business including the Wild practice facility slated to open this fall.
Carin Anderson, Vice President of Corporate Partnerships and Retail Management, has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships and Retail Management. In over 20 years with the organization, Anderson has successfully led consistent growth and product development across her areas of responsibility.
Brent Flahr, currently Assistant General Manager, has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations. In charge of scouting, drafting and player development since 2009, he will continue to assist General Manager and Executive Vice President Chuck Fletcher in managing the day-to-day operations of the team. Flahr will also continue to serve as the General Manager of the Iowa Wild. In addition, Andrew Brunette and Shep Harder were both promoted to Assistant General Manager.
Mitch Helgerson, currently Vice President of Marketing Intelligence, has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Marketing and Ticket Sales. He will now oversee all marketing, analytics and ticket sales functions for the organization.
Maria Troje, currently Vice President of Fan Relations, will assume the new title of Vice President of Customer Service and Retention, shaping the customer experience across all lines of business. Erica McKenzie has been promoted to Senior Manager of Customer Service and Retention.
Due to continued growth and expansion of the team's community efforts, Wayne Petersen, Director of Marketing Partnerships, will now serve as Director of Community Relations and Hockey Partnerships and Rachel Schuldt will exclusively lead the Minnesota Wild Foundation as Executive Director.
Fletcher and Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President Jeff Pellegrom will continue to report to Leipold.
"As we look to the future and continued growth of our team and business, I'm pleased to announce these promotions and adjustments to our organization's structure," said Leipold. "Our business is constantly evolving and it's important we align ourselves to deliver the best possible outcomes for our fans, our team and the State of Hockey."
All staffing changes are effective immediately.