Penguins give Acklin new role; Burke retains position

The Pittsburgh Penguins have named Kevin Acklin, who has been their COO and general counsel for the past two years, to the newly created role of president of business operations.

In a related move, the team announced that Brian Burke, who was hired with GM Ron Hextall in 2021, will remain in the position of president of hockey operations.

He and Acklin will report directly to Fenway Sports Group, the franchise’s majority owner.

In his new job, Acklin, 46, will oversee the day-to-day operations of the business and the development of the former Civic Arena site and Lower Hill District.

Acklin is a native of South Oakland and graduate of Central Catholic High School who described himself as “deeply humbled and honored” by the promotion and said he “will forever be indebted” to former team CEO and president David Morehouse for “teaching me how to best lead this organization.”