Hurricanes hire president with deep ties to franchise to run business operations

By Brian Murphy, WRAL

Doug Warf, who previously spent 16 years with the Carolina Hurricanes in a variety of roles, is returning to the NHL franchise as its president at a pivotal time for the team and its home arena.

Warf will oversee all business operations for the Hurricanes and PNC Arena, which is set to undergo a $300-million renovation starting next year. The Hurricanes can develop up to 80 acres of land around PNC Arena under terms of a newly completed agreement with the Centennial Authority. Carolina also signed a 20-year lease extension to remain at the arena.

Warf replaces Don Waddell, who was the team's president and general manager. Waddell resigned after the season to become the general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Eric Tulsky replaced Waddell as the team's general manager.

Warf is the president of Hurricanes Holdings, LLC.

“Doug brings a wealth of knowledge to this position,” Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon said in a statement. “His experiences with the Hurricanes, in business and in the community make him well-suited to lead the organization. Doug will help us create the most exciting game day environment in sports for our fans, as we look forward to arena renovations and construction of the mixed-use district.”

Warf was the president of MDO Holdings, a Raleigh-based investment and management firm. He worked for the Hurricanes from the 2000-01 season until 2017. Warf began as a sales intern and was the vice president of marketing when he left the team.

Warf previously served as the executive director of the Hurricanes Foundation, which was known as the Kids 'N Community Foundation from 2007 to 2017.

“I would like to thank Tom Dundon for entrusting me with this great opportunity. It’s a true honor to serve in this role,” Warf said in a statement. “Over the last 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with the last three team Presidents — so I know the expectations for this position are very high."

Warf graduated from North Carolina State University.

“I have always loved how this team and arena play an integral role in strengthening our overall bond as a community," he said. "I look forward to working with the talented Hurricanes Holdings team to continue furthering that bond, while also setting the standard for hospitality and entertainment.”

The Hurricanes have sold out 67 consecutive games at PNC Arena.

Waddell played a role in convincing state lawmakers to legalize mobile sports betting in North Carolina. The Hurricanes have partnered with Fanatics Sportsbook and have plans to build an in-person sportsbook as part of their development around PNC Arena.