One of MLB’s most venerable and successful franchises is now in the midst of a large-scale transition.
Cardinals owner Bill DeWitt Jr. said Wednesday that he is changing the club’s leadership structure to help enable a long-term succession plan and keep the club in the family. DeWitt’s son, current team president Bill DeWitt III, becomes CEO and will expand his responsibilities to include oversight of the Cardinals’ business and baseball operations.
The club also promoted Anuk Karunaratne to club president, and he will assume the role that the younger DeWitt previously held. Chaim Bloom will continue as president of baseball operations.
“In formalizing these roles, we’re just firming up the leadership structure that will lay the foundation for the next wave of organizational and team success,” said DeWitt III.
Before the season started, DeWitt Jr., one of MLB’s longest-tenured owners, hinted that a change like this was soon forthcoming. For now, though, he will continue as the Cardinals’ chairman and principal owner.
