Detroit Pistons President and CEO Alan Ostfield fired; owner Tom Gores begins the change – NBA News
Detroit Piston’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Alan Ostfield, has been relieved of his duties. Ostfield had been working with the franchise for the past 11 years, having joined the organization in 2000 as the senior vice president for legal affairs.
Gores has been very proactive, since he has taken over the Pistons and this decision is being seen as the first step by him to improve business conditions of the franchise. Alan Ostfield was the chief operating officer for the Palace Sports & Entertainment. Prior to being appointed as Chief Executive Officer and President, he served as the assistant general manager of basketball affairs under the president basketball of operations Joe Dumars. Joe Dumars however still retains the office.
Upon inquiring, Alan Ostfield expressed his feelings rather calmly and said that he had foreseen this happening when he took over. “I knew a year and a half ago when I agreed to step into the position, I knew what we were going through as an organization was going to be tough. I had some amazing experiences. … I’m just happy to take those experiences on to the next phase of my career."I knew that when I committed to stay on to get the organization through this transition that this outcome was a distinct possibility. This wasn't about me or one particular person. It was all about transitioning this organization on to the next phase from the wonderful ownership of Mr. Davidson. And I accomplished that."
The Platinum Equity chairman Tom Gores took over from former owner Bill Davidson’s widowed wife nearly two months back. The deal included both the Palace Sports & Entertainment as well as the National Basketball Association franchise, the Detroit Pistons.
The change by Gores is not likely to affect the team much. During the transition period, Detroit Pistons’ day to day operations will be overlooked by Tom Gores’ Platinum Equity partners Phil Norment and Bob Wentworth. The headship of the Pistons is expected to be shared with Norment and Wentworth on an interim basis as well. The search for the new president business operations, meanwhile, is under progress. The corporation, other than the team, also overlooks matters at Palace of Auburn Hills and DTE Energy Music Theatre. The company also holds rights to the Meadow Brook Music Festival.
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