MIAMI GARDENS — Tom Garfinkel stepped away as president and CEO of the Miami Dolphins after a 13-year tenure that grew the franchise’s annual revenues by more than 400 percent and secured more than $3 billion in future contractually obligated sponsorship income, the organization announced.
Garfinkel will remain as vice chairman of the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium and managing partner of the Miami Grand Prix. Chairman and owner Stephen M. Ross simultaneously launched Ross Sports & Entertainment, a new entity consolidating the Dolphins, Hard Rock Stadium, the Miami Grand Prix, the Miami Open tennis tournament and the Precision Drive Club under one umbrella.
“Tom has had one of the most impactful executive tenures in professional sports history,” said Ross, the founder, owner and executive chairman of Ross Sports & Entertainment. “When he joined our organization, we envisioned creating a world-class sports and entertainment company that would redefine what was possible for a franchise, a stadium and a community. Together we turned that vision into reality.”
Ross named Daniel Sillman chief executive officer of the new entity. Sillman has worked alongside Ross for nearly a decade on strategic initiatives including leading the process for multiple landmark private investments, executing the acquisition of a 45% stake in the Miami Open and leading the search and hiring process for the Dolphins’ general manager and head coach in 2026. He currently serves as co-founder and executive chairman of a privately owned sports and media rights company that has secured more than $10 billion a year in media rights agreements on behalf of organizations including UEFA, the Premier League and LALIGA.
Under Garfinkel, the organization spearheaded the privately funded $550 million transformation of Hard Rock Stadium, oversaw the development of the $135 million Baptist Health Training Complex and grew the Dolphins Cancer Challenge into the NFL’s largest charitable fundraiser, generating more than $100 million for cancer research. He also played a primary role in bringing Formula 1 racing to Miami through the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix, securing the event through 2041, and establishing a 30-year agreement to host the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. The organization won bids to host the 2020 Super Bowl, the 2021 and 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship Games and seven matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup — events that generated billions of dollars in economic impact for the greater Miami region.
“I love the Dolphins and the people here, but after 13 years it was just the right time for me to make this decision,” Garfinkel said. “The business has never been in a better place and the team of people we have here is second to none in sports.”
Sillman will oversee the organization’s executive leadership team, including Todd Boyan, promoted to executive vice president of Hard Rock Stadium operations; Chris Clements, promoted to executive vice president and chief financial officer; Jason Green, promoted to executive vice president and chief revenue officer; and Katharina Nowak, president of the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix. Head Coach Jeff Hafley, General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and Executive Vice President of Football Operations Brandon Shore will report directly to Sillman.
“It is an incredible honor to lead Ross Sports & Entertainment at such an exciting moment,” Sillman said. “Tom and this leadership team have built one of the most admired organizations in global sports.”