Pegulaville just got a little bit smaller.Buffalo Bills President Russ Brandon has been given the same position with the Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres announced Monday the organization has mutually parted ways with former president Ted Black and given Brandon the title of president and alternate governor.
"It came together really on Saturday afternoon," said Brandon to reporters inside First Niagara Center on Monday afternoon. "It was the first time I'd had any conversation with Terry and Kim (Pegula). We had some discussions on Saturday afternoon that went into Sunday and things escalated a little bit over the last 24 hours."
Brandon will remain president and managing partner of the Bills, overseeing business operations for both teams and reporting directly to Sabres and Bills owners Terry and Kim Pegula.
"Since we purchased the Buffalo Bills last October, we have been highly impressed with the business acumen that Russ has shown with the Bills," said Terry & Kim Pegula, in a written statement released by the Sabres.
"Now is an appropriate time to give him additional responsibilities with the Sabres. Russ will work with Pegula Sports & Entertainment to create strong synergies between the Sabres and Bills. With Russ' strong ties to the area business community and sponsorship partners, he will effectively position both organizations for future growth. We are grateful to Ted Black for all he has done for the Sabres organization and wish him much success in his future endeavors."
Black had been Sabres president since the Pegulas purchased the team in 2011. Brandon has been with the Bills since 1997 and has served as the team's president since 2013.
Acknowledging many crossover sponsors, Brandon suggested the Sabres could soon utilize a similar marketing strategy the Bills have used to further regionalize their brand, pushing further east within New York State and deeper into Southern Ontario.
"Obviously everyone knows what Rochester means to the Bills but it also means a great deal to the Sabres," said Brandon. "There's a great brand in the Rochester Americans (the top minor league affiliate of the Sabres, which is owned by the NHL club). I've spent a lot of time at Rochester Americans games in my day, and look forward to regionalizing the brand as well."
