Tom Garfinkel Steps Down as Miami Dolphins President & CEO After Transformative 13-Year Run
The Miami Dolphins are entering a new era off the field.
On Tuesday, the organization announced that Vice Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer Tom Garfinkel is stepping away from his role as President and CEO after spending 13 years leading one of the NFL’s most significant organizational transformations. While Garfinkel will no longer oversee the day-to-day business operations of the franchise, he isn’t leaving the organization entirely. He will remain Vice Chairman of the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium, while also continuing in his role as Managing Partner of the Miami Grand Prix.
His departure from the CEO position marks the end of one of the most successful executive tenures in franchise history.
A New Era of Business Success
When Garfinkel joined the Dolphins in 2013, the organization was looking to reinvent itself both on and off the field. Over the next decade-plus, he helped transform the Dolphins into one of the premier sports business organizations in the world.
Under his leadership:
Hard Rock Stadium underwent a massive renovation that completely modernized the venue.
Miami became home to Formula 1 with the launch of the Miami Grand Prix, now one of the premier events on the F1 calendar.
The stadium successfully hosted numerous marquee events, including the Super Bowl, College Football Playoff National Championship, major concerts, international soccer matches, and tennis tournaments.
The Dolphins’ business operations experienced tremendous growth in sponsorships, premium seating, fan engagement, and overall franchise value.
Garfinkel helped turn Hard Rock Stadium into a year-round destination rather than simply the home of the Miami Dolphins.
More Than Just Football
While many fans primarily focus on wins and losses every Sunday, Garfinkel’s impact stretched far beyond the football field.
His vision helped make South Florida one of the world’s biggest sports and entertainment destinations.
The creation of the Miami Grand Prix alone brought international attention to the region while generating hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact. Combined with the stadium renovation and numerous world-class events, Garfinkel elevated the Dolphins organization into a global sports brand.
Miami Dolphins Vice Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer Tom Garfinkel is announcing that he is stepping away from his role as President and CEO after 13 transformational years. Garfinkel will remain as Vice Chairman of the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium, as well… pic.twitter.com/dWwhAMveMz— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 4, 2026
Remaining with the Organization
Although Garfinkel is stepping away from his day-to-day executive responsibilities, he will continue to play an important role in the organization’s future.
Remaining as Vice Chairman allows him to continue providing strategic guidance for the Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium, while his continued leadership of the Miami Grand Prix ensures stability for one of Formula 1’s marquee events.
His continued involvement also provides continuity during what will likely be an important leadership transition for the franchise’s business operations.
What Happens Next?
The Dolphins will now begin the process of replacing one of the NFL’s most respected executives.
Finding someone capable of continuing the momentum Garfinkel built won’t be easy. Over the past 13 years, the organization has become recognized as an industry leader in innovation, fan experience, event management, and commercial growth.
Whoever assumes the role of President and CEO will inherit one of the strongest business operations in professional sports.
Final Thoughts
Tom Garfinkel leaves the President and CEO position having reshaped nearly every aspect of the Miami Dolphins’ business operations. From the transformation of Hard Rock Stadium to the creation of the Miami Grand Prix and the elevation of the Dolphins brand worldwide, his legacy extends well beyond football.
While fans will continue to judge the organization by what happens on the field, Garfinkel’s work behind the scenes helped build a foundation that has made the Dolphins one of the NFL’s premier organizations off the field.
Although his role is changing, his continued presence as Vice Chairman and Managing Partner of the Miami Grand Prix means his influence on the Dolphins and South Florida sports landscape is far from over.
