BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Sabres today announced Russ Brandon will become President and Alternate Governor of the Buffalo Sabres effective immediately while continuing as Managing Partner/President of the Buffalo Bills. Brandon will oversee all aspects of the business operations for both the Sabres and Bills organizations and report directly to Terry and Kim Pegula. Former team President Ted Black has mutually agreed to part ways from the organization.
“Since we purchased the Buffalo Bills last October, we have been highly impressed with the business acumen that Russ has shown with the Bills,” said Terry & Kim Pegula. “Now is an appropriate time to give him additional responsibilities with the Sabres. Russ will work with Pegula Sports & Entertainment to create strong synergies between the Sabres and Bills. With Russ’ strong ties to the area business community and sponsorship partners, he will effectively position both organizations for future growth. We are grateful to Ted Black for all he has done for the Sabres organization and wish him much success in his future endeavors.”
Brandon will oversee the business operations for both teams and will represent ownership interests locally, regionally and with the NHL and NFL. He will work to extend the reach of the Bills and Sabres brands throughout the region, especially in Rochester and Southern Ontario. Nationally, he will position both teams to capitalize on their successes on the field and on the ice. Brandon will continue to work with PSE to create synergies throughout both organizations while operating independently from a business operations standpoint.
“I would like to thank Terry and Kim for the confidence they have placed in me,” said Brandon. “With so much excitement surrounding the Sabres, there is also great opportunity. We have a strong staff at the Sabres that I will be relying on and there is much from my Bills experience that can be applied at the Sabres. I look forward to the opportunity to engage with the Sabres great fans and lead the business operations of both teams.”
Brandon, who has been with the Bills since 1997, has served as team president since January 2013. His acute business expertise and leadership skills have largely been credited for keeping the Bills franchise viable in the ever-competitive NFL landscape, which culminated with him playing a key role in facilitating the sale of the Buffalo franchise from the Wilson family to the Pegula family. He also played an integral role in negotiating a new stadium lease agreement between the Bills, the State of New York and Erie County to keep the franchise in Western New York for the foreseeable future as the three entities signed a MOU in late December of 2012 that included a renovations package to enhance the fan’s game day experience at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
Sabres General Manager Tim Murray will continue to oversee hockey operations for the organization and report directly to Terry & Kim Pegula.
