Xavier A. Gutierrez has been named the new president and CEO of the Arizona Coyotes, the team announced Monday.
Gutierrez, who brings two decades of experience as a “business executive, investor and dealmaker focused on investment management, corporate strategy and operations, finance, and business development,” according to the team’s release, becomes the first Latino president and CEO in the league’s history.
“I am very proud to name Xavier as the first Latino team President and CEO in NHL history,” said Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo, who himself made history when he took over the club last year.
“This is a historic day for the Coyotes and the entire NHL. 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.
“He is a leader with tremendous vision and integrity, and I have the utmost confidence that he can help the Coyotes become a world class organization on and off the ice.”
Gutierrez joins the Coyotes after serving as Managing Director for California investment firm Clearlake Capital Group. He previously worked with Meruelo as chief investment officer of Meruelo Group, as well as president chief investment officer of Meruelo Investment Partners.
“I am extremely grateful to Mr. Meruelo for this opportunity to lead the Coyotes, which he loves so dearly, and honoured to become the first Latino team president and CEO in NHL history,” said Gutierrez, via the team’s release. “This is a very special and proud day for me, my wife Jericca, our son Xavi, and our entire extended family.
“Mr. Meruelo and I share the same vision to make the Coyotes a world class organization that is innovative in our efforts to connect with and grow our fan base, continue to be a leader in our community, and develop great relationships with our business partners.
“We want to build a financially stable and prosperous organization for the long term, and our ultimate goal is to bring a Stanley Cup to our great fans in Arizona.”
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