Eagan, Minn. (August 12, 2019) – The Wilf family has named Andrew Miller Chief Operating Officer of the Minnesota Vikings. Miller takes over for former Vikings COO Kevin Warren, who was named Commissioner of the Big Ten on June 4. Miller’s first day will be on September 1.
Miller joins the Vikings after leading the business operations of the Toronto Blue Jays the last four seasons. In Toronto, Miller was responsible for managing all business operations of the Blue Jays and Rogers Centre, with a focus on understanding and enhancing the fan experience. Miller led the implementation of new business departments focused on fan engagement, fan services, strategy and analytics and also oversaw the improvement of business-related systems and processes. Miller led in capital improvements for Rogers Centre and Blue Jays spring training facility renovations. Miller has a community-minded approach and has led initiatives in Toronto focused on creating a positive impact by growing the sport of baseball across Canada.
"We are thrilled to name Andrew COO of the Minnesota Vikings," said Owner and President Mark Wilf. “Andrew is a first class individual, known for his integrity, strong business acumen, and collaborative approach. He cares deeply about people and their development and is acutely focused on every way in which he can improve the organization. Kevin Warren has been an integral part of the Vikings for the past 15 years and helped create a culture we are all proud of. We think Andrew is a tremendous addition to our organization, and will help us continue to build on that foundation, while always putting the utmost importance on our fans and our community.”
Prior to his time with the Blue Jays where he worked with highly respected sports executive Mark Shapiro, Miller also spent ten years with Shapiro and the Cleveland Indians. Miller was the Indians Senior VP Strategy & Business Analytics (2013-2016) and assistant to the team President (2010-2012). Miller joined the Indians organization in 2006, serving as Baseball Operations Assistant for the 2007 season and Assistant Director of Baseball Operations for the 2008 and 2009 seasons before being promoted to assist Shapiro during his transition to team President. During Miller’s business tenure with the Indians, he created innovative fan amenities and opportunities for stronger fan engagement, developing and executing new events that increased utilization of Progressive Field year round. Miller created Snow Days, an interactive winter event and also executed the first ever outdoor hockey game at the field, a game between Ohio State and Michigan. In his roles within Baseball Operations, Miller was involved in every aspect of the Club's Major League team operations, focusing on financial, contractual and strategic elements of player acquisitions and negotiations. He was also instrumental in the development, construction and operations of the Club's Goodyear Player Development Complex in Arizona.
“I am honored to join an organization with such a deep tradition as the Minnesota Vikings and work with the Wilf family, who have demonstrated such a strong commitment to the community,” said Miller. “I am excited to be a part of the Vikings organization and positively impact our fans, who are among the most passionate in all sports. My family and I look forward to immersing ourselves in the state of Minnesota.”
"Andrew will be a strong leader for the Vikings business operations," said Vikings owner Zygi Wilf. "Andrew has a very impressive and diverse background, having worked with some of the most respected individuals in sports. He is passionate about this opportunity. His collaborative approach and focus on the fan experience and community have always defined his leadership and align with our core values. He is an ideal fit for our organization and we are excited to welcome Andrew and his family to Minnesota.”
Before joining the Indians, Miller spent nearly seven years working in the investment banking and venture capital industries. He earned a JD-MBA at Northwestern University in 2007. He graduated with a BS in Business Administration from the Haas School of Business at the University of California Berkley in 1997. Miller served on the board of Teach for America and was mentor for JumpStart, a nationally recognized nonprofit that works to accelerate the success of diverse and ambitious entrepreneurs. Andrew and his wife Jill are the parents of Alana and Evan and are expecting their third child this fall.
The Vikings worked with Turnkey Search to conduct a national, inclusive search process to identify candidates for this role. Turnkey is a leading executive search firm in the sports & entertainment industry.