Haslam steps down as president of Utah Jazz

Jul 19, 2007, 14:40 GMT

Salt Lake City, UT - Dennis Haslam, president of the Utah Jazz and the Larry H. Miller Sports & Entertainment Group of Companies, announced Wednesday he is stepping down.

Haslam, who has held the position for 10 years, will be succeeded by Randy Rigby, the senior vice president of sales and broadcasting and chief marketing officer.

Rigby is in his 21st season with the Utah Jazz organization. He is also responsible for the Jazz and Salt Lake Bees broadcasting and productions, and is the general manager of KJZZ-TV, among other business ventures.

'I am excited to take the reins of a well-established group of companies,' said Rigby. ' Denny (Haslam) leaves a valuable legacy and has been terrific to work with these past 10 years. Having worked so closely with him to accomplish the things we have, I am confident I can step into the position and continue to move the sports and entertainment division forward.'

Haslam is expected to leave his full-time position later in the week, but will stay on as a consultant for future projects.

'I have known Larry personally for more than 50 years,' said Haslam. 'I have a great deal of respect for his business acumen and have welcomed the challenge of helping to build the sports and entertainment division of this company. I look forward to continuing to be a part of the group as a consultant while pursing outside interests.'

Utah reached the Western Conference Finals last season before losing to the eventual NBA champion San Antonio Spurs in five games.

© 2007 The Sports Network