ATLANTA — Longtime Atlanta Braves executive John Schuerholz has stepped back from a day-to-day role with the team as it prepares for the final season at Turner Field.
The Braves announced several front-office changes Thursday, including Schuerholz moving from team president to vice chairman. Mike Plant will take over a president in charge of development while Derek Schiller becomes president overseeing business, a reorganization that coincides with the move to suburban SunTrust Park in 2017.
Braves chairman and CEO Terry McGuirk said Schuerholz is giving up "day-to-day business and development duties" but will continue to serve as a consultant on baseball operations.
The 75-year-old Schuerholz was general manager of the Braves from 1990 through the 2007 season, building a powerhouse that won 14 straight division titles and the 1995 World Series championship. He became the team president after giving up the GM title.
The moves do not affect the on-field hierarchy. President of baseball operations John Hart and general manager John Coppolella will remain in those roles.
Plant and Schiller, who previously served as executive vice presidents, have largely overseen construction of the 41,500-seat stadium and adjacent mixed-use complex, which includes office space, a hotel, restaurants and other retail development.
"John Schuerholz has provided tremendous leadership for this organization for more than 25 years," McGuirk said. "While he is stepping back from his overall day-to-day business and development duties, we are excited that he will continue to be a source for consultation and guidance on baseball matters."
Hart will report to both McGuirk and Schuerholz, while Plant and Schiller will report solely to McGuirk.
"We feel that these new titles more accurately reflect the responsibilities of Mike and Derek," McGuirk said. "They are among the best executives in all of baseball, and their efforts have put our organization on a tremendous path to stay at the forefront of our industry."
Schuerholz will continue to head up the Braves' search for a new spring training home in 2018. The team is planning to leave its Disney World complex after 20 years, looking for a camp closer to other Florida teams. Sarasota appears the leading candidate, with the team also looking at possible sites in St. Petersburg and South Florida.
