Ken Sawyer joined the Penguins as a key part of Mario Lemieux’s senior management team in 1999 and was named CEO of the club in January, 2006. In his current role, he oversees all of the Penguins’ operations including the construction of the new arena.

Sawyer has overseen the development of a new arena and its financing culminating with the announcement by state and local officials of an arena funding plan on March 13, 2007 ensuring the Penguins’ long-term future in Pittsburgh.

Sawyer also helped reshape the Penguins’ future on the ice when he hired Ray Shero as executive vice president and general manager in May, 2006.

He represents the Penguins in all league matters and is a member of the NHL’s Board of Governors.

Sawyer’s career spans 36 years including 14 as the Chief Financial Officer of the National Hockey League and the past eight as an executive of the Penguins. He joined the Penguins as executive vice president and chief financial officer in September 1999 and was promoted to team president in March 2003.

Sawyer is a graduate of McGill University in his native Montreal. He and his wife, Shirley, reside in Pittsburgh. They have two sons and two grandchildren.