Former Boston Bruins forward Shawn Thornton is stepping into the NBA world.
The Atlanta Hawks announced this week that Thornton has joined their executive team as senior vice president and chief partnership officer.
The move comes after eight years in the Florida Panthers’ front office, where he most recently served as chief revenue officer through the end of last season.
Thornton’s transition into the sports business has been steady since his retirement in 2017. His work in Florida included overseeing ticket sales, community programs and corporate partnerships.
Under his watch, the Panthers secured more than $150 million in long-term agreements and landed multiple naming rights deals. He also helped launch a jersey patch sponsor and a partnership with Hard Rock Bet, according to the team’s release.
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Atlanta president Andrew Saltzman praised the hire in a team statement, noting Thornton’s ability to foster growth and creativity at every stop. He said Thornton “delivered amazing results while leading the Florida Panthers revenue team and brings a winning, team-first mentality to everything he does.”
The former enforcer logged 705 NHL games across four franchises, including seven seasons in Boston from 2007 to 2014. He was part of the 2011 Stanley Cup run and became a fan favorite for his grit and presence on the fourth line.
Thornton also claimed two championships in an executive role with the Panthers, helping build the business side of their back-to-back title seasons.
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He expressed enthusiasm about joining Atlanta, saying the city’s ability to blend sports, entertainment and culture made the opportunity especially appealing. He also thanked the Panthers organization for its support throughout his post-playing career.
For the Hawks, the addition brings in a proven sports executive with a track record of building revenue and community impact.