Seattle Mariners hire Catie Griggs as new president of business ops

SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners announced Tuesday afternoon that they have hired Catie Griggs as the organization’s new president of business operations.

Griggs spent the last four seasons with Atlanta United as their Chief Business Officer. She oversaw all aspects of the team’s front office, the strategic decisions leading to the record-setting attendance, matchday production and operations, the team’s supporter groups and broadcasting, the Mariners announced.

“The Mariners are a team on the rise, and as that success builds on the field, we have an opportunity to forge even stronger bonds with the community,” Griggs said. “I will bring a championship mentality to everything the franchise does by focusing on the fans and giving back in meaningful ways. My values align very well with the Mariners mission, and I am honored to have the opportunity to join this organization at this extraordinary time.”

Griggs will take over all aspects of the Mariners business operations. With the exception of Jerry Dipoto and baseball operations, the Mariners Executive Vice Presidents and Sr. Vice Presidents report to Griggs and form the senior leadership team of the organization, the team said.

“We had a really impressive group of finalists for this role,” said Mariners Chairman and Managing Partner John Stanton. “Out of that very strong group, Catie set herself apart with her passion, her experience, and the perspective she will bring to the Mariners.”

Griggs will replace Kevin Mather, who resigned in February after video surfaced of him making derogatory remarks about some players and club operations. Mather took insensitive shots at a former All-Star from Japan and a top prospect from the Dominican Republic for their English skills, and admitted the team possibly manipulated service time for some of its young players.

Mather oversaw both baseball and business operations for the Mariners. Following Mather’s resignation, Stanton said those roles would be split.

Griggs will start her new role the week of Aug. 23.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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