The Green Bay Packers have named Paul Baniel vice president of finance, Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy announced today. A certified public accountant and the former vice president of finance for the Milwaukee Brewers, Baniel brings an extensive background in professional sports finance to the organization. He will begin his new role Aug. 10.
"We're excited to bring Paul to the Packers and have him join our senior staff," said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. "His experience in professional sports will prove to be a valuable asset to the organization as both the team and the league move through some challenging economic times. We look forward to seeing his strong leadership at work and the impact he will have on team and league financial matters."
"I'm very much looking forward to joining the Packers," said Baniel. "It's a great opportunity to work with one of the top organizations in all of professional sports. I'm excited to contribute to the excellent staff and continued success of the franchise."
Baniel (pronounced BAN-yel) comes to the Packers from Milwaukee, where he spent the last six years as the chief financial officer of Potawatomi Bingo Casino. At Potawatomi, he played a significant role in the $240 million expansion of the facility, which opened in 2008 and was named the best casino in the Chicagoland region in May 2009 by the Chicago Tribune.
Prior to that, Baniel worked 16 seasons for the Milwaukee Brewers from 1987 through 2002. He served as the team's vice president of finance as well as treasurer and secretary for the final eight years of his tenure (1995-2002), coordinating the financing for the construction of a new stadium. Miller Park opened in 2001 and helped the club emerge from one of the toughest financial eras in its history.
Baniel, 47, also worked for three years (1983-86) as senior/staff auditor in the Milwaukee office of Price Waterhouse, a worldwide public accounting firm, before joining the Brewers.
A Milwaukee native, Baniel graduated from Hamilton High School in nearby Sussex and earned his accounting degree with honors from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1983. He earned his CPA certification that same year.
Baniel and his wife Nancy have four children: son Nick, 19, who will begin his second year at the University of Wisconsin in the fall, and three daughters -- Claire, 16; Mary, 15; and Abby, 13.
