Griggs, first woman to serve as Mariners president of business operations, retires

SEATTLE — Mariners president of business operations Catie Griggs, who became the first woman in franchise history to hold that title, resigned from her post on Friday, the club announced. She will be taking a new position to be closer to family on the East Coast.

Griggs will continue to fulfill her current role in Seattle until later this month, and upon her departure, Mariners chairman and managing general partner John Stanton will take over her responsibilities on an interim basis until a new president of business operations is named.

“I’ve truly had a mix of emotions as I made the incredibly difficult decision to resign from my role as president of business operations,” Griggs said in a statement. “After much consideration, I have decided to prioritize our family and relocate back to the East Coast to be closer to both [my husband] Justin and my aging parents.

“My time in Seattle getting to know this community and to work with so many talented people at T-Mobile Park and beyond will always be incredibly special to me. I look forward to seeing what amazing things lie ahead for the Mariners.”

Added Stanton, in a statement: “I know this was a difficult decision for Catie, and I appreciate her professionalism in working with me as she worked through this process.”

Griggs’ new position wasn’t immediately revealed.

A native of North Carolina, Griggs was hired in July 2021 to replace team president and CEO Kevin Mather, who resigned that February. In that transition, the Mariners’ also restructured their front office by creating an even split between business and baseball operations, the latter of which is overseen by Jerry Dipoto.

Her hiring came together after an extensive process that involved a 12-person committee, and on the heels of four successful years as president of business operations for Atlanta United of Major League Soccer. But her career path began well before that, when she enrolled in college at just 14 years old and later graduated from Dartmouth University.

In Seattle, Griggs was an instrumental figure in the 2023 All-Star Game and 2023 NHL Winter Classic at T-Mobile Park, among many other accomplishments driven by her passion for fan experience.

“I want to thank Catie for all her hard work and leadership over the past three years,” Stanton’s statement read. “The Mariners grew as an organization and accomplished some great feats. … In talking with her as she grappled with this decision to return to the East Coast it was clear how much she valued the people that make our organization and team special. But finding an opportunity for Catie and her husband, Justin, to be closer to their extended family was too important to pass up.”

When hired, Griggs became the only active female president in an MLB front office, a distinction that Caroline O’Connor of the Marlins also shared after she was promoted in Miami in 2022. Griggs’ departure from the Mariners leaves O’Connor as the only female president in MLB.