BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Ron Raccuia, who played the lead role in negotiating Buffalo’s new $1.54 billion stadium deal, is out as the Bills’ top executive, team owner Terry Pegula announced on Wednesday.
In saying the sides had parted ways, Pegula cited a monthslong evaluation of the team’s business side in determining a need to “revamp and improve our structure.” Pegula thanked Raccuia for his many years of hard work and dedication and wished him the best of luck.
In making the change, Pegula is taking over the role of team president, which was previously held by his wife. Kim Pegula, who has been away from the team for the past 13 months, is dealing with significant language and memory issues after going into cardiac arrest.
As part of the shakeup, Pegula announced John Roth will assume Raccuia’s titles as executive vice president and COO. Roth will now split his duties between the Bills and the Pegula-owned Buffalo Sabres, where he has served as the NHL team’s COO after being hired in January.
Raccuia did not return voice and text messages left by The Associated Press.
Raccuia’s departure is considered a surprise after he essentially oversaw the daily operations of Pegula Sports and Entertainment, where he had worked since 2017. He took over as the point person on stadium negotiations after Kim Pegula fell ill.
It was only six weeks ago when Raccuia shared the stage with Terry Pegula and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Bills’ new stadium, which is being built across the street from the team’s existing home. The plan includes $850 million in public money, and the stadium is set to open in time for the 2026 season.
Roth, who previously spent 24 years as an investor and portfolio manager at Fidelity Investments, will oversee the team’s ticketing, business development, and media and content departments.
In related promotions, the Bills announced general counsel Kathryn D’Angelo has added the title of senior vice president of business administration; and vice president of finance Josh Dziurlikowski will now hold the title of senior VP of finance and business administration.
The Bills also hired University of Pittsburgh senior associate athletic director Penny Semaia to serve as VP of stadium relations.
“We have a tremendous among of confidence in this management committee we have constructed,” Pegula said. “I have had a high level of trust and strong working relationship with John, Kathryn and Josh over the years, and expect them each to successfully continue to lead our business operations in the years to come.”
Copyright by The 2023 Associated Press.