New York, NY -- (Sports Network) - The National Hockey League announced Thursday that John Collins has been promoted to chief operating officer. In addition to overseeing business and media operations, Collins will now also be responsible for the communications and club consulting functions of the NHL.

He will report to deputy commissioner Bill Daly and commissioner Gary Bettman.

Collins joined the NHL in November 2006 and was named NHL senior executive vice president, business and media, in May 2007. During his tenure, the league has experienced record breaking seasons in terms of revenue, attendance, television ratings and NHL.com traffic.

Prior to joining the NHL, Collins was president and CEO of the Cleveland Browns, as well as, NFL senior vice president of marketing and sales. He began his career with NFL Films.