Danny Wirtz
Daniel Wirtz | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1977 Winnetka, Illinois, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, business executive |
| Years active | 2007–present |
| Known for | Owner and chairman of Wirtz Corporation; principal owner of the Chicago Blackhawks |
Daniel Wirtz (born 1977) is an American entrepreneur and proprietor of the Wirtz Corporation, a Chicago-based holding enterprise that controls the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League, a significant portfolio of Chicago-area real estate, and one of the largest liquor distribution firms in the United States. He inherited leadership of the corporation following the death of his father, Rocky Wirtz, in 2023. Representing the fourth generation of his family to own the Blackhawks, Danny is the franchise’s sixth principal owner.
Early life
Raised in Winnetka, Illinois, Wirtz comes from a long line of business leaders, including his father Rocky, grandfather Bill, and great-grandfather Arthur, each having owned the Blackhawks. He attended Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Illinois, where he was the starting goaltender for the varsity ice hockey team and secured a state championship title in 1995. Wirtz later earned his degree from Boston College. Initially, he explored career paths beyond the family enterprise, focusing on music, entertainment, and marketing. As an admirer of Ministry, he served as a personal assistant and guitar technician to frontman Al Jourgensen during a 1999 tour. Their connection endured over time, with Jourgensen dedicating the track "Keys to City" to the Wirtz family.
Executive career
Following his grandfather’s passing in 2007, Wirtz increased his involvement in the family business, contributing to management of Wirtz Corporation’s assets such as Breakthru Beverage, Wirtz Realty, and banking ventures. He rose to vice president of the Blackhawks and took on responsibilities as an alternate Governor to the NHL while actively advising operations. Beyond his familial commitments, Wirtz co-established Banner Collective, a production company, in 2013 and joined as partner at advertising firm Varyer in 2018.
After John McDonough was dismissed in April 2020, Wirtz stepped in as interim president of the Blackhawks and was appointed CEO by December. His leadership commenced amid an internal probe into a 2010 sexual abuse controversy involving a former video coach. Neither Wirtz nor his father Rocky had prior knowledge of the incident; however, two senior executives resigned and the NHL imposed a $2 million fine on the organization. On the competitive front, the Blackhawks opened the 2021–22 season with a ten-game losing streak that led to head coach Jeremy Colliton’s termination. The team concluded with one of the NHL’s poorest records and ended a remarkable 535-game home sellout streak due to underperformance compounded by COVID-19 challenges.
Wirtz appointed Kyle Davidson as general manager, who initiated a rebuilding phase by trading players for draft assets ahead of the 2022–23 season. The franchise opted not to re-sign prominent former stars Patrick Kane or Jonathan Toews. Despite finishing with the third-worst record in the league, the Blackhawks secured victory in the NHL Lottery and selected Connor Bedard—heralded as a "generational" talent—with the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
In July 2023, Wirtz officially succeeded his father as owner and chairman of Wirtz Corporation. One of his initial actions was purchasing the Chicago Steel of the USHL on August 1. He was also named co-chairman of Breakthru Beverage Group on August 28.
Personal life
Danny Wirtz and his spouse, Anne, are parents to two daughters named Rosemary and Juniper. He regards music as his key source of equilibrium and frequently attends live concerts.