The Heat on Friday promoted Nick Arison “to the newly created position” of CEO, with Pat Riley continuing “to run the team’s basketball operations,” according to Barry Jackson of the MIAMI HERALD. Arison, son of Heat Owner Micky Arison, was promoted from VP/Basketball Operations, a position he had held since ‘08. Nick Arison “will oversee the day-to-day operations of the franchise and will report directly to his father.” The move “is a natural progression for Nick, 30, who began as a team attendant 16 years ago and joined the Heat full time” in ‘03 after graduating from college. Micky Arison said, “This is something Nick has been working toward his whole life.” Nick’s minority percentage in the franchise “remains unchanged” (MIAMI HERALD, 7/23). In Ft. Lauderdale, Craig Davis wrote the promotion “has been an anticipated step in a progression he has prepped for since graduating” (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 7/23). ESPN.com’s Brian Windhorst wrote “if you follow the NBA … get to know the name Nick Arison." He is “on track to be one of the league’s power brokers” (ESPN.com, 7/22). The SUN-SENTINEL’s Davis wrote Nick Arison “isn’t even doing interviews.” Micky Arison is “media shy in the extreme,” and Nick “appears to be following his dad’s example in operating under the radar.” Arison’s promotion is not “an insignificant move by the Heat,” nor “is it unexpected.” Nick Arison was “actively involved in recruiting” LeBron James and Chris Bosh last summer. Davis: “Clearly his next step is ... into the Heat president's office. What remains to be seen is when Riley will elect to pass the torch” (SUN-SENTINEL.com, 7/22).
