Shawn Thornton joined the Florida Panthers executive staff on June 1, 2017, after playing three seasons with the club (2014-15 to 2016-17). Over his 20-year professional hockey career, Thornton was a two-time Stanley Cup champion as a player with the Boston Bruins (2007, 2011). He achieved a third Cup with the Panthers in 2024 as a member of the executive staff.

Thornton began his tenure in the Panthers front office as vice president, business operations, then served as the organization's senior vice president before becoming chief commercial officer in October 2020. He was promoted to chief revenue officer in July 2022, overseeing the club’s revenue-driving departments. During his tenure with the team, he’s overseen the partnership leading to the Panthers’ first jersey patch in franchise history as well as the naming rights and other large-scale endeavors.

In his executive role with the Panthers, Thornton also leads the team's ticket sales and service,

community relations, foundation and corporate partnerships departments.

A proactive leader within the organization, Thornton has contributed to many of the Panthers community efforts ranging from youth hockey to hurricane relief and played a major role in assisting Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and its hockey team following the tragic events at the school on February 14, 2018.

A published author, Shawn penned his memoir Fighting My Way to the Top to tell the story of his hockey career.

He played in his final NHL game as a member of the Panthers on April 8, 2017, against the Buffalo Sabres. The native of Oshawa, Ontario, appeared in 705 NHL games with the Panthers (2014-15 to 2016-17), Boston Bruins (2007-08 to 2013-14), Anaheim Ducks (2006-07) and Chicago Blackhawks (2002-03 to 2005-06) recording 102 points (42-60-102).

During his playing career with the Panthers, Thornton became the only player in professional hockey history to begin his career after expansion and play in over 700 NHL games and 600 American Hockey League games. He is the only player this century to record 10 fights, score 10 goals and win the Stanley Cup in the same season.

He founded the Shawn Thornton Foundation (@ThorntonFDN) in 2013 and serves as the Foundation's President and Director. The Shawn Thornton Foundation is dedicated to helping find cures for diseases close to his heart, specifically Parkinson's and cancer. Through his foundation, Thornton holds an annual 'Pucks and Punches for Parkinson's' golf event and does charitable work throughout Boston and South Florida.

Thornton resides in Parkland with his wife Erin and their daughters Nora and Ainsley.