The Pirates will hire former Penguins executive Travis Williams as their next team president, two sources tell DKPittsburghSports.com.
Williams spent 11 years with the Penguins from 2008-2018, the final eight as their chief operating officer. In that role, he oversaw all aspects of the day-to-day business and arena operations. He left the Penguins last November to become president of business operations with the Islanders.
Williams' primary role with the Penguins was overseeing the Civic Arena lot development, working with Hill District leaders and the city government.
He joined the Penguins in 2008 as vice president of business affairs/general counsel. He oversaw the construction of PPG Paints Arena and the UMPC Lemieux Sports Complex, the Penguins' official practice facility.
Prior to joining the Penguins, Williams spent 12 years at law firm Reed Smith LLP, where he was a partner. There, he represented different sports franchises, regional sports networks and other sports-related businesses.
The news comes the same day the Pirates and former team president Frank Coonelly announced the two sides agreed to part ways. Coonelly was hired by Nutting in 2007.
“Frank and I both agreed that it was clear a change in the day-to-day leadership of the Club is needed," Nutting said. "This leadership transition gives us the opportunity to refresh our entire operations."
Coonelly had influence in both the business side and day-to-day operations of the club. Williams' hiring seems to indicate owner Bob Nutting is looking for his next president to focus on the business aspects of the job.
Nutting said the Pirates will introduce their new team president Monday.
