Gutierrez named first Latino president, CEO in NHL history by Coyotes

Xavier A. Gutierrez was named the first Latino team president, CEO and alternate governor in NHL history when he was hired by the Arizona Coyotes on Monday.

"This is a historic day for the Coyotes and the entire NHL," Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo said. "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 is Arizona's eighth president since it relocated from Winnipeg in 1996. He replaces Ahron Cohen, who left the Coyotes on May 14.

"I am extremely grateful to Mr. Meruelo for this opportunity to lead the Coyotes -- who he loves so dearly -- and honored to become the first Latino team president and CEO in NHL history," Gutierrez said. "This is a very special and proud day for me, my wife Jericca, our son Xavi and our entire extended family."

Meruelo became the first Hispanic majority owner in NHL history when he purchased the controlling interest in the Coyotes from Andrew Barroway on July 29, 2019.

"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," Gutierrez said. "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. I'm very excited to get started."

The Coyotes went 33-29-8 (.529 points percentage) this season and will play the Nashville Predators (35-26-8, .565) in the 16-team, eight-series Qualifying Round as part of the NHL's Return to Play Plan announced May 26. They will begin limited workouts with small groups at their facilities Thursday as part of Phase 2 of the plan.