NHL Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

NHL has 10 executives leading key functions including operations, revenue, hockey strategy, human resources, finance, administration, business development, medical oversight, and employee resource management.

Committed to advancing professional ice hockey, NHL maintains a rigorous standard for competition while expanding digital reach and global fan engagement across North America.

Leadership Roles at NHL

  • Chief Executive Officer & President, Hockey Operations - Jeff Jackson
  • Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President - Jeff Pellegrom
  • Chief Operating Officer - Rob Stevenson
  • President & Chief Operating Officer - Michelle Kennedy
  • President, Nhl Business - Keith Wachtel
  • Group President, Co, Nhl Women Employee Resource - Carol Dann
  • Chief Revenue Officer - Dionna Widder
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer - Patrice Distler
  • Executive Vice President & To The Chief of Staff & Deputy Commissioner - Julie Grand
  • Chief Medical Officer - Kimberly Harmon
  • Jeff Jackson - Chief Executive Officer & President, Hockey Operations

    Jeff Jackson, the Chief Executive Officer & President, Hockey Operations at NHL, directs the strategic vision and competitive standards of professional ice hockey. Overseeing all aspects of player development and league-wide competition rules, the Chief Executive Officer & President, Hockey Operations ensures the integrity of the game remains paramount. This role involves close coordination with the Board to implement policies that enhance the quality of play and athlete safety. By analyzing performance metrics, Jeff Jackson shapes the future of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and regular season structure. Jackson manages the complex relationship between member clubs and league governance to maintain competitive balance. The Chief Executive Officer & President, Hockey Operations drives initiatives that elevate the sport's profile on a global scale. Through decisive leadership, Jackson fosters an environment where professional hockey thrives, ensuring that every match meets the highest standards of athletic excellence and fan entertainment.
    Jeff Jackson

    Jeff Pellegrom - Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President

    Jeff Pellegrom, the Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President at NHL, directs the fiscal planning, budgeting, and financial reporting processes for the entire league. Overseeing capital allocation, the Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President ensures that resources are distributed to support league-wide initiatives and team operations. This role involves managing complex financial risks and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards across North American jurisdictions. By providing accurate financial analysis, Jeff Pellegrom enables the executive team to make informed decisions regarding broadcasting partnerships and digital service investments. Pellegrom monitors the financial health of the organization to ensure long-term sustainability and growth. The Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President drives efficiency in cost management, allowing for increased investment in major hockey events. Through rigorous financial oversight, Pellegrom secures the economic stability of the league, supporting the continued success of professional hockey competition.

    Rob Stevenson - Chief Operating Officer

    Rob Stevenson, the Chief Operating Officer at NHL, directs the internal infrastructure and daily business functions required to support 32 member clubs. Overseeing league-wide logistics, the Chief Operating Officer ensures seamless execution of the regular season and Stanley Cup Playoffs. This role involves coordinating with broadcasting partners to optimize media delivery and fan access. By streamlining administrative workflows, Rob Stevenson maintains the operational integrity of the league across North American markets. Stevenson manages complex cross-departmental projects that align with the broader mission of professional hockey excellence. Through rigorous oversight of team operations, the Chief Operating Officer facilitates consistent standards for competition. This leadership position drives efficiency in league governance, ensuring that all organizational components function in harmony to support the growth of the sport and the long-term stability of the professional hockey ecosystem.
    Rob Stevenson

    Michelle Kennedy - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Michelle Kennedy, the President & Chief Operating Officer at NHL, directs the external operations and market expansion strategies for the league. Overseeing the execution of major hockey events, the President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that all public-facing activities align with the brand's mission. This role involves managing relationships with key stakeholders and ensuring that league services meet the expectations of a global audience. By optimizing operational processes, Michelle Kennedy drives efficiency in the delivery of digital content and team information. Kennedy manages the integration of new technologies to enhance the fan experience across all platforms. The President & Chief Operating Officer collaborates with other executives to ensure that operational scale matches the league's growth ambitions. Through strategic oversight of external operations, Kennedy maintains the league's competitive position, ensuring that professional hockey remains a premier entertainment product in the sports industry.

    Keith Wachtel - President, Nhl Business

    Keith Wachtel, the President, Nhl Business at NHL, directs the commercial development and business growth strategies for the league. Overseeing the expansion of the league's business portfolio, the President, Nhl Business ensures that all commercial ventures align with the brand's long-term objectives. This role involves identifying new revenue opportunities through digital services and strategic partnerships. By leveraging market trends, Keith Wachtel drives the growth of the league's business ecosystem. Wachtel manages the relationships with corporate partners to maximize the value of the league's assets. The President, Nhl Business collaborates with other executives to ensure that business initiatives support the overall mission of professional hockey. Through innovative business development, Wachtel secures the league's position as a leader in the sports industry. By focusing on sustainable growth, Wachtel ensures that the league remains financially robust and capable of delivering high-quality entertainment to fans worldwide.

    Carol Dann - Group President, Co, Nhl Women Employee Resource

    Carol Dann, the Group President, Co, Nhl Women Employee Resource at NHL, directs the initiatives focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion within the league's workforce. Overseeing the development of employee resource groups, the Group President, Co, Nhl Women Employee Resource ensures that all staff members have access to professional growth opportunities. This role involves fostering a culture of inclusion that supports the league's mission of professional hockey excellence. By implementing programs that empower women in the workplace, Carol Dann drives organizational progress and employee retention. Dann manages the coordination of resource groups to ensure that diverse perspectives are integrated into the league's decision-making processes. The Group President, Co, Nhl Women Employee Resource collaborates with human resources to align diversity initiatives with corporate goals. Through dedicated leadership, Dann strengthens the internal culture, ensuring that the league remains an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees.

    Dionna Widder - Chief Revenue Officer

    Dionna Widder, the Chief Revenue Officer at NHL, architects the commercial strategy and partnership frameworks that sustain league-wide financial health. Managing global sponsorship portfolios, the Chief Revenue Officer drives revenue growth through strategic alliances and digital service monetization. This role requires constant collaboration with the executive team to identify new market opportunities and expand the commercial footprint of professional hockey. By leveraging data-driven insights, Dionna Widder optimizes ticket sales and broadcasting rights valuations. Widder oversees the development of innovative fan engagement platforms that translate into tangible fiscal results. The Chief Revenue Officer ensures that all commercial initiatives align with the overarching goal of increasing the league's market share. Through disciplined management of revenue streams, Widder secures the necessary capital to support league operations and major hockey events, ultimately strengthening the financial foundation of the entire organization.

    Patrice Distler - Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer

    Patrice Distler, the Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer at NHL, directs the talent acquisition and organizational culture strategies that support the league's workforce. Overseeing human capital development, the Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that all internal teams possess the necessary skills to manage professional hockey operations. This role involves designing comprehensive training programs and performance management systems that align with corporate objectives. By fostering an inclusive and high-performance environment, Patrice Distler drives employee engagement across all league departments. Distler manages the integration of diverse talent pools to support the league's expansion and digital service goals. The Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to ensure that organizational structure supports long-term growth. Through strategic workforce planning, Distler maintains the operational capacity required to govern 32 member clubs and execute major hockey events effectively.
    Patrice Distler

    Julie Grand - Executive Vice President & To The Chief of Staff & Deputy Commissioner

    Julie Grand, the Executive Vice President & To The Chief of Staff & Deputy Commissioner at NHL, directs the administrative coordination and strategic alignment of the Commissioner's office. Overseeing high-level policy implementation, the Executive Vice President & To The Chief of Staff & Deputy Commissioner ensures that all league departments operate in accordance with the Commissioner's vision. This role involves facilitating communication between the Board and executive leadership to streamline decision-making processes. By managing complex administrative workflows, Julie Grand maintains the operational rhythm of the league. Grand coordinates cross-functional initiatives that impact the regular season and Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Executive Vice President & To The Chief of Staff & Deputy Commissioner drives organizational cohesion, ensuring that all strategic goals are met with precision. Through effective management of the Commissioner's priorities, Grand supports the overall mission of professional hockey, ensuring that the league remains responsive to the needs of member clubs and fans.

    Kimberly Harmon - Chief Medical Officer

    Kimberly Harmon, the Chief Medical Officer at NHL, directs the health and safety protocols for all professional hockey players. Overseeing medical research and injury prevention programs, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that the league maintains the highest standards of athlete care. This role involves collaborating with team physicians and medical staff to implement consistent health policies across all 32 member clubs. By analyzing injury data, Kimberly Harmon develops evidence-based strategies to improve player longevity and performance. Harmon manages the league's response to health-related challenges, ensuring that all competition remains safe for participants. The Chief Medical Officer drives initiatives that prioritize athlete well-being, which is essential for the integrity of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and regular season. Through rigorous medical oversight, Harmon supports the physical health of the league's most valuable assets, ensuring that professional hockey continues to thrive at the highest level.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding NHL Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads NHL?
    NHL is led by Jeff Jackson (Chief Executive Officer & President, Hockey Operations), along with executives such as Jeff Pellegrom (Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President) and Rob Stevenson (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of NHL’s executive team?
    The executive team of NHL includes leaders such as Jeff Jackson (Chief Executive Officer & President, Hockey Operations), Jeff Pellegrom (Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President), Rob Stevenson (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does NHL have?
    NHL has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in NHL’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of NHL includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer & President, Hockey Operations, Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, President & Chief Operating Officer, President, Nhl Business.