Orioles hire Catie Griggs as first female president of business operations

The Orioles today announced that Catie Griggs will serve as the first female president of business operations in team history. She begins with the club on Aug. 19.

On Friday, Griggs resigned her position as president of business operations for the Seattle Mariners. The North Carolina native cited a desire to be closer to family on the East Coast. Griggs arrived in Seattle in July 2021 after four seasons as the chief business officer for Atlanta United in Major League Soccer. She oversaw all aspects of the Mariners organization outside of baseball operations.

“Catie’s track record of success, diverse business experience, and commitment to excellence made her the perfect fit to lead the next chapter of our business operation in Baltimore,” said Orioles owner and control person David M. Rubenstein. "The entire Orioles organization welcomes Catie as we continue to elevate every aspect of our operation.”

Griggs managed all aspects of the Mariners' business operations, including investments to improve technology, operations and fan experience at T-Mobile Park. In addition, she led the way as T-Mobile Park became the first venue to host both Major League Baseball's All-Star Week (2023) and the National Hockey League Winter Classic (2024) within a calendar year. Combined, the two events generated more than $80 million in revenue for the city of Seattle and directly engaged more than 300,000 fans. 

Before joining the Mariners, Griggs spent the previous four years (2017-2021) helping build Atlanta United into one of the premier MLS franchises. She was chief business officer, overseeing all aspects of the Atlanta United front office. Prior to Atlanta United, Griggs was with Futures Sport & Entertainment, as well as Turner Broadcasting.

At the time of her hiring, the Mariners said Griggs was the only woman to hold a “president” title role with a club in MLB. 

“I am genuinely thrilled to be joining the Orioles organization," said Griggs. "Supporting this storied franchise, the city of Baltimore and our passionate fans is an incredible honor. I look forward to contributing to the team’s success both on and off the field.”

“It is our belief that Oriole fans and the Baltimore community will benefit from the unique experience and perspective that Catie brings,” said Michael Arougheti, an Orioles owner and joint owner of Charm City Sports Partners. “That experience will be especially valuable as we begin work to reimagine Oriole Park at Camden Yards.”

During her career, Griggs has been honored by the Sports Business Journal both as a Game Changer (2017), an annual award that honors female leaders, and 40 Under 40 (2022), an annual award recognizing the best young talent in sports business. A North Carolina native, Griggs received her undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College and her master's in business administration from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. 

Griggs is the first major hire by Rubenstein since he assumed control of the Orioles.