Under a succession plan crafted by his grandfather, Rocky Wirtz assumed the post of president of Wirtz Corp. and became chairman of its Chicago Blackhawks hockey franchise Friday.
While Rocky’s ascension to the top position was largely expected following the recent death of his father, William Wirtz, another move within the $1.3 billion family-owned enterprise came as a surprise.
Peter Wirtz, Rocky’s younger brother, is leaving as vice president of the Blackhawks and will concentrate his efforts at Bismarck Enterprises, the family’s food-service business.
In a Friday memo to employees explaining the restructuring, Rocky Wirtz, 55, said he had “hoped Peter would stay on, especially to help rebuild the Blackhawks into a winning and successful franchise.” The decision to leave the Hawks was Peter’s, his brother wrote.
The memo also praised Blackhawks manager Dale Tallon, saying, “The team is in good hands” under his guidance.
Still, the news shocked members of the Blackhawks organization, who were expecting Peter Wirtz, 47, to follow in his father’s footsteps and lead the team.
“I’m very surprised. Peter is a great person, a wonderful human being, a classy guy and a great friend. He is like a brother to me,” said Tallon. “I’m sure Peter will do everything in his power to continue to help and make the transition easier for everyone.”
Reached late Friday, Rocky Wirtz said, “I’ll look at everything. I’ll treat this like any new acquisition. We’re cleaning the slate.”
Wirtz spent much of Friday making phone calls to National Hockey League officials and others, his spokesman said.
Anyone who interpreted Peter’s departure from the team as a sign of family dissension “would be incorrect,” Wirtz Corp. spokesman Dennis Culloton said.
Previously, Rocky’s major role at the company was heading its lucrative liquor-distribution business.
Tallon said he had a brief conversation with his new boss Friday morning. He said Rocky’s “committed to winning the Stanley Cup and he’s committed to making positive changes and will not stop until we get to our goals.”
Rocky has been in on a lot of conversations about the team, Tallon said. “He’s been around a long time. I’m sure he’ll put his heart and soul in it.”
Rocky has been an alternate governor with the Blackhawks for 30 years and has been involved in all major decision-making, team sources said. Included in his agenda is considering whether to televise home games after this season, something his father refused to do.
His grandfather, Arthur Wirtz, founded the company in the 1930s with a focus on real estate. William Wirtz took over the family business after Arthur died in 1983. William Wirtz died of cancer at age 77 Sept. 26.
Wirtz Corp. has grown into a privately held conglomerate of businesses involved in real estate, liquor wholesaling and distributing, and food service. The company also owns part of the United Center and was instrumental in getting the West Side stadium built.
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