Sharks Sports & Entertainment Majority Owner Plattner Purchases More Shares

Sharks Sports & Entertainment (SSE), which owns and operates NHL’s San Jose Sharks, today announced changes to the organization’s ownership group structure. 

Majority owner Hasso Plattner has purchased SSE shares formerly held by investors Kevin Compton and Stratton Sclavos. Plattner, a member of the Sharks ownership group since SSE purchased the team from original owner George Gund III in Feb. 2002, has been the organization’s majority owner since 2010. 

Plattner will serve as the team’s representative on the NHL’s Board of Governors. Sharks Executive Vice President & General Manager Doug Wilson and Executive Vice President & General Counsel John Tortora will remain Alternate Governors. 

“While this change does affect the individual structure of our ownership group, it does not change the organization’s primary goal which is to build a team that is capable of winning a Stanley Cup each and every season,” said Plattner. “The team’s day-to-day operations will not be affected. All current Executive Team members will remain in place with Doug Wilson continuing to oversee all hockey operations and Malcolm Bordelon operating the business side of the organization.” 

“Kevin and Stratton have been tremendous partners to work with over the last decade,” added Plattner. “Both have played vital and strategic roles moving our organization to the top tier of professional sports franchises. We want to thank them for everything they have done to help make the Sharks what they are today.” 

Plattner’s passions in life are centered around business, science and sport. In 1972, Plattner co-founded software giant SAP AG, the world’s largest business software company. Since retiring from the CEO position in May 2003, he has been Chairman of the Supervisory Board and Chief Software Advisor.  In these roles, Plattner concentrates on defining the medium and long-term technology strategy of SAP. 

Compton and Sclavos released the following joint statement: “It’s been a great 11 years being involved with the San Jose Sharks and the NHL but we feel this is the right time for us to step away and focus on other avenues.  Although we are no longer involved with the ownership group of the organization, we remain among the team’s biggest fans and will continue to be ardent supporters of the franchise.  We want to thank all Sharks fans for their years of unbridled passion and continued support of the team.”