Morehouse Out as Penguins CEO; Burke, Acklin Run Operations

David Morehouse stepped down as CEO of the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday. After 16 years at the head of the Penguins organization, Morehouse informed new owners, the Fenway Group, that he was stepping down.

The Fenway Group accepted his resignation effective immediately.

Morehouse led the Penguins since a rumored power struggle with former senior executive Ken Sawyer. The long-time Penguins exec retired in 2010.

“I want to thank Ron Burkle and Mario Lemieux for taking a chance on me in 2007 and giving this Pittsburgh kid the dream of a lifetime to run his hometown hockey team. During those 16 years, I’ve been lucky enough that this never felt like a “job.” It always felt like a partnership – with ownership, players, coaches, staff, and Pittsburgh fans. We had some incredible times together, including three Stanley Cups and watching Pittsburgh turn into a true hockey town.”

“Most importantly, I want to thank my family for the support they have given me during this time.

“I’m confident that the Penguins’ future is in good hands with Fenway Sports Group. The new ownership group prioritizes winning, and that has always been the philosophy of the Pittsburgh Penguins. They have experience running successful franchises, and we have some of the best staff in sports already in place. Together, the legacy of the Penguins is sure to continue.

“Thank you so much for all of your support, and, as always, Let’s Go Pens.”

Morehouse was 49 when he ascended to the role.

Brian Burke and Kevin Acklin will run the day-to-day operations. The Pittsburgh Penguins release did not specify if the CEO position will be filled or if  Burke and Acklin will add additional functions.

Morehouse joined the team as a consultant on the new arena project in 2004 and was named team president in April 2007. He was named CEO just before the opening of PPG Paints Arena (then Consol Energy Center) in August 2010.

Burke was previously president and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs and president of hockey operations for the Calgary Flames and previous stints as an NHL GM. Burke was named the Pittsburgh Penguins president of hockey operations when the Penguins hired Ron Hextall as GM in February of 2021.