As a proud fourth-generation family business leader, Daniel “Danny” Wirtz (47) plays a pivotal role leading and collaborating across sports and entertainment, beverage distribution, real estate, and banking.

As Chairman of Wirtz Corporation, Danny carries on the legacy of his father, the late Rocky Wirtz, providing strategic counsel to its diversified holdings. These include the revered Chicago Blackhawks, Wirtz Realty, Breakthru Beverage and banking interests.

As the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for the Blackhawks, Danny leads the organization with an ongoing mission to reimagine the potential of hockey. As a passionate and lifelong hockey player and fan, he’s been instrumental in leading the acquisition of the Rockford Ice Hogs (American Hockey League) and Chicago Steel (US Hockey League), as well as the continued expansion of Fifth Third Arena, which serves as a state-of-the-art community space and hub for youth hockey development and practice facility for the Chicago Blackhawks.

His commitment extends to the United Center as Co-Chairman and partner of the United Center Joint Venture alongside the Reinsdorf family. In the last 30 years, the arena has served as the epicenter of sports and entertainment on the West Side of Chicago hosting over 200 events each year and welcoming more than 70 million guests through its doors since opening in 1994. Danny continues to build on the storied legacy started by his great-grandfather Arthur Wirtz - an early builder in the NHL and NBA - in 1935 when he bought Chicago Stadium. Together with the United Center Joint Venture, Danny continues to seek opportunities to lead with intentionality to create meaningful and positive impact as they work to shape the future of the campus.

Following his graduation from Boston College in 1999, Danny followed his passion for music and marketing working in the creative agency world in New York and London where he honed his skills around brand, experiential and cultural marketing, and communications. ­

2006 brought Danny back to Chicago, starting in the wine & spirits industry with his family business, Wirtz Beverage. It was there that Danny learned and grew in the industry, taking on new roles and responsibilities spanning trade marketing, sales, and corporate strategy. In 2016, Danny helped lead the merger with Sunbelt Beverage to form Breakthru Beverage, the third-largest distributor of wine, spirits and beer in the US and Canada. Today, as Co-Chairman of Breakthru Beverage Group, he brings his strategic expertise to the alcohol beverage industry while also supporting the industry’s growth and advocacy as a member of the Board of Directors for Wine & Spirts Wholesalers of America. _­

Balancing his corporate responsibilities, Danny is deeply committed to social impact and civic responsibility in the City of Chicago. He serves as Chairman of the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation, investing and transforming the West Side of Chicago, honoring the team’s namesake by supporting Native American initiatives in partnership with the Sac & Fox Nation, and growing the game of hockey. He also sits on the Board of Embarc, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming education through experiential learning.

In 2013, Danny’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to launch Banner Studios, an award-winning video production and content studio. He’s also a partner in Varyer, an integrated creative studio and brand advisory agency.

Danny resides in Chicago with his wife Anne and two daughters Rosemary and Juniper. His multifaceted leadership, dedication to community, and ability to navigate challenges, helps Danny Wirtz live each day with a purpose to leave a lasting mark on Chicago and beyond.