DHR Global Recruits President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins
September 22, 2026 – Talent advisory firm DHR Global has placed Marcel Braithwaite as president of business operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This search was led by Mike Gagliardi and Glenn Sugiyama of DHR’s sports practice. “Marcel is going to be a transformational hire for one of the NHL’s premier teams,” said Mr. Sugiyama, managing partner of DHR’s sports practice. “I had the opportunity to travel to Houston and watch him interact with others at the ballpark, and what stood out throughout this search was how naturally he connects with people. That’s going to matter as much as anything in this role.”
“I am very happy to welcome Marcel to this iconic franchise,” said Geoff Hoffmann, chairman and team governor. “He’s a results-driven executive that has led through a variety of projects from fan engagement to real estate development. Marcel will be joining a talented, dedicated and hard-working team across the Penguins and PPG Paints Arena and I am confident he will help us reach new heights as an organization.”
The appointment also carries an executive search industry connection: The Hoffmann Family of Companies, parent of DHR Global, acquired the Pittsburgh Penguins earlier this year.
Mr. Braithwaite joins the Penguins from the Houston Astros, where he spent 14 years, most recently as senior vice president, business operations. As part of Astros’ executive leadership team, he led the franchise through multiple ballpark renovations, ensuring the business maximized revenue opportunities while delivering a best-in-class fan experience. Mr. Braithwaite also directed the development and operations of the Astros Spring Training complex, successfully ensuring that all public and private stakeholders were served well. A seasoned leader, with multiple championship experience, Mr. Braithwaite brings both local, national and international sports experience to the city of Pittsburgh.
“It’s an honor to join the Penguins at such an exciting time under new ownership,” said Mr. Braithwaite. “I am grateful to the Astros and look forward to serving the employees, fans and city of Pittsburgh by bringing a winning culture to this franchise alongside Geoff, Kyle and the rest of this talented Front office.”
Founded in 1967 as one of the NHL’s first expansion teams during the league’s original expansion from six teams to 12, the Pittsburgh Penguins are one of the top brands and businesses anywhere in sports. The Penguins have appeared in the Stanley Cup finals six times and have won the championship five times, including back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2017. The Penguins were the first back-to-back champions since 1998, and the first ever since the NHL salary cap was implemented.
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Since 1989, DHR Global has been a leading, privately held provider of executive search solutions with more than 50 wholly owned offices spanning the globe. The firm’s consultants specialize in all industries and functions, providing senior-level executive search, management assessment, and succession planning services.
Global Sports Practice
DHR’s sports practice is a global specialty for the firm with capabilities on six continents across all sports-related organizations. These range from Fortune 500 companies and professional sports teams to public and private university athletics. The firm has overseen searches for the University of Pittsburgh, Colorado State University, Fresno State University, San Jose State, Kansas, Syracuse, and Quinnipiac University, among others.
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Since 2004, Mr. Sugiyama has been placing talent in professional sports organizations and for the top academic institutions in the U.S. and around the world, including senior sports executives and head coaches. His work has included searches for senior sports executives, athletic leaders, and head coaches, giving him broad experience across both the business and competitive sides of the sports industry. Based in Chicago, he has developed a national and global network spanning professional franchises, collegiate athletics, and higher education.
Mr. Gagliardi serves as managing partner. He specializes in the consumer, hospitality/restaurants, and private equity practices, focusing on placing commercial leaders in consumer and commercial services companies. With more than 15 years of executive search experience, Mr. Gagliardi works with organizations ranging from private equity-backed businesses to publicly traded Fortune 500 companies. He recruits C-suite and senior executives across finance, marketing, human resources, operations, sales, and development.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
