Full Breakdown
Cardinals Promote Bill DeWitt III to CEO, Anuk Karunaratne to President of Business Operations
6/25/2026, 11:55:05 AM
Leadership Transition Overview
On June 24, 2026 the St. Louis Cardinals announced Bill DeWitt III, club president since 2008, will become chief executive officer. Anuk Karunaratne, hired from the Toronto Blue Jays in 2024, will be president of business operations. Bill DeWitt Jr. remains chairman and principal owner.
Succession Planning and Recent Changes
The promotion follows a succession plan that began with Chaim Bloom’s appointment as president of baseball operations in September 2025, succeeding John Mozeliak after a 20-year tenure. The Cardinals have missed the playoffs for three straight seasons; they now hold a 42-35 record and sit second in the NL Central.
Key Executives
Bill DeWitt Jr. stays chairman and principal owner, overseeing baseball and business decisions. Bill DeWitt III becomes CEO, supervising both operations and projects at Busch Stadium and Ballpark Village. Anuk Karunaratne, as president of business operations, will lead fan engagement, attendance, community outreach and TV-rights negotiations. Chaim Bloom remains president of baseball operations, directing player development and roster construction.
Data & Statistics
Under DeWitt Jr., the Cardinals have won 12 division titles, four NL pennants and two World Series. In 2026 they are 42-35, second in the NL Central, while attendance has fallen sharply since the three-year playoff drought. Karunaratne earned a Sports Business Journal “40 Under 40” honor in 2023.
Why It Matters
The shift seeks to stabilize the franchise, reverse attendance decline and modernize the fan experience while keeping ownership in the DeWitt family. Consolidating baseball and business oversight under one CEO may streamline decisions before the July trade deadline.
Official Statements & Responses
Bill DeWitt Jr. called the change an “organizational evolution” reflecting the family’s enduring commitment to the Cardinals, fans and St. Louis community. Bill DeWitt III said he is honored by the expanded role and will work closely with Karunaratne and Bloom. Karunaratne expressed gratitude for the opportunity and emphasized fan engagement and attendance. The club said its long-term strategy remains unchanged.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts note that the attendance slump and three missed playoffs increase pressure on the new leadership to deliver measurable improvements. Speculation about a possible sale resurfaced during the announcement, but the organization framed it as a continuation of family ownership.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This organizational evolution reflects our family’s enduring commitment to the Cardinals, our fans and our community,” — Bill DeWitt Jr.
- “Bill the third is at a perfect age to continue on for a long time.” — Bill DeWitt III
- “ “I’m honored by this expanded opportunity to lead the Cardinals organization.” — Bill DeWitt III
- “I am grateful to the DeWitt Family for this privilege and recognize the great responsibility that comes with it,” — Anuk Karunaratne
What’s Next
The Cardinals will assess roster moves at the July trade deadline under Bloom’s baseball leadership, while Karunaratne’s initiatives aim to boost attendance and deepen community ties. The succession plan also positions Bill DeWitt III for eventual ownership duties, indicating a multi-year horizon for further adjustments.
