Peter Luukko Hired As Florida Panthers Executive
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SUNRISE (CBSMiami/AP) — Peter Luukko has been hired as executive chairman of Sunrise Sports and Entertainment, the parent company of the Florida Panthers.
The organization announced Friday that Luukko will work closely with Panthers president, CEO Rory Babich and general manager Dale Tallon.
"We are extremely fortunate to have Peter join our management team," said Owner Vincent Viola. "Peter adds significant industry experience to our executive management team and will help us continue to implement our strategy of becoming a world-class sports and entertainment company. He is a well-respected sports and entertainment executive and his decision to join our organization validates our business plan that enables us to attract individuals, such as Peter, with a wealth of knowledge, talent and experience."
Luukko, 55, oversaw the Philadelphia Flyers for more than 25 years as president and chief operating officer of Comcast-Spectacor before he resigned more than a year ago.
He was a member of the NHL Board of Governors and oversaw Comcast-Spectacor's facility-management business, which runs more than 125 sports arenas, stadiums and convention centers.
"I would first like to thank Comcast-Spectacor Chairman Ed Snider for giving me the opportunity to grow and develop within the Flyers organization and to serve as the team's president," said Luukko. "I am forever grateful to Ed and the entire Flyers organization for the 25-plus years that I spent in Philadelphia and with the team."
"When Vinnie and I first met to discuss the Panthers and BB&T Center, I was overwhelmed with his passion and immediately shared his vision for the organization. I am extremely excited and look forward to beginning the next chapter of my career, while working with two first-class and bright individuals in Rory and Dale. We have a fine roster of players and a world-class sports and entertainment facility that will continue to attract fans from all over the world. We look forward to building a successful team in South Florida."
Luukko's leadership was invaluable in helping Comcast-Spectacor bring national attention to Philadelphia by attracting several high-profile events to the city, such as the 2000 Republican National Convention, the 2000 NCAA Women's Final Four, the 2001 NCAA Men's East Regionals, the 2001 and 2002 X-Games, the 2002 NBA All-Star Weekend, the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Gymnastics, the 2011 NCAA Wrestling Championships, the 2014 NCAA Frozen Four and several other sports and entertainment events.
During his time as President of the Flyers, he played an instrumental role in his team participating in two Winter Classics (2010 and 2012), while also hosting the 2014 National Hockey League Draft.
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