Florida Panthers Hire Former Amazon, Disney Exec as Business President

Michael White to oversee business operations for Panthers' four facilities

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:00pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented hockey arena scene with overlapping planes of teal, orange, and dark blue, conveying the complexity of the Panthers' upcoming business decisions.The Panthers' new business chief will need to navigate the team's arena development plans through a fractured, multi-faceted landscape.Sunrise Today

The Florida Panthers have announced the hiring of Michael White, a former executive at Amazon and Disney, as their new business operations president. White will oversee all business aspects of the team's four facilities, including Amerant Bank Arena, Baptist Health IcePlex, Panthers IceDen, and War Memorial Auditorium. The Panthers cited White's experience in consumer experience, partnership growth, and product development as key factors in his hiring.

Why it matters

The Panthers' business operations are crucial as the team faces a 2028 deadline to propose development plans for the property surrounding their home arena, Amerant Bank Arena. White's background in technology, guest experience, and launching new strategies will be valuable as the Panthers look to enhance their business and fan engagement.

The details

White, who most recently served as Chief Product Officer at Amazon's autonomous vehicle company Zoox, was recruited by Panthers hockey operations president Bill Zito. The two clicked immediately and Zito's leadership was a major factor in White's decision to join the organization. White will be tasked with overseeing all business aspects of the Panthers' four facilities, including their home arena, practice facilities, and a historic auditorium.

  • White was recruited by Bill Zito last month while Zito was in Italy as part of the U.S. men's hockey team leadership at the Milan Cortina Olympics.
  • White will need to propose development plans for the property surrounding Amerant Bank Arena by the fall of 2028.

The players

Michael White

The new business operations president for the Florida Panthers, with a 25-year career working in technology and guest experience, including roles at Amazon and Disney.

Bill Zito

The Panthers' hockey operations president, who recruited White and was a key factor in him joining the organization.

Michael Viola

A member of the Panthers' ownership family, who said the team is confident White is the right fit to lead the organization into continued success.

Matthew Caldwell

The former Panthers business head who stepped down in August to become CEO of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx.

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What they’re saying

“We clicked automatically. Our first meeting was supposed to be 30 minutes, went an hour and a half and we probably could have talked another two hours.”

— Michael White, Florida Panthers Business Operations President

“After a diligent and comprehensive search, we are confident that Michael is the right fit to lead our organization into continued success.”

— Michael Viola, Florida Panthers Ownership

What’s next

White will need to propose development plans for the property surrounding Amerant Bank Arena by the fall of 2028 to Broward County officials.

The takeaway

The Panthers' hiring of Michael White, with his strong background in technology, guest experience, and launching new strategies, signals the team's commitment to enhancing their business operations and fan engagement as they face a key deadline for the arena property.