According to recent reports, William Hochul has announced his decision to step down from his position as the general counsel of Delaware North, a private food service and hospitality firm based in Western New York. His departure will become effective on August 15, as stated by the company. Hochul, married to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, has been serving as the in-house general counsel for the Buffalo-headquartered firm.
His exit package is currently under scrutiny of counsel from New York’s executive chamber due to the company’s dealings with public agencies. Delaware North is also known to be a competitor with a Native American tribal government that’s in negotiation with New York state to build a casino in the Rochester area. As precaution, the governor had recused herself from the negotiations involving the competitor of her husband’s firm.
Earlier in his career, prior to joining Delaware North, Hochul was appointed as U.S. attorney for the Western District of New York, in 2010, a position he held until 2016. His nomination for the role was put forward by former President Barack Obama.
Previously, Kathy Hochul had signed a recusal agreement relative to all matters involving Delaware North, the day before becoming governor. This was following the resignation of previous Governor Andrew Cuomo amid sexual harassment allegations. The agreement restrains the governor from getting involved in any business matters related to Delaware North. Hence, Delaware North committed to maintain internal procedures to create a buffer between William Hochul and the company’s New York state businesses.
Delaware North has also been actively involved in New York’s gaming industry, recognized as a significant competitor for the Seneca Nation of Indians in Buffalo. In a recent endeavor to push the tribe to pay $564 million in gambling revenue, the state froze Seneca Nation’s bank accounts. Governor Hochul directed $418 million of the recovered amount towards financing a new $1.5 billion stadium for the Buffalo Bills, also known to be a longtime client of Delaware North.
Despite Delaware North’s continued involvement with the Buffalo Bills, the team has chosen a different firm to manage its concessions from 2026. Discussing her husband’s upcoming departure, Governor Hochul reassured everyone saying that, despite his departure, the ethical standards would always be maintained.
Meanwhile, Delaware North’s Chief Administrative Officer, Frank Mendicino, appreciated Hochul for his contributions and his strategic guidance during the peak of the pandemic. As per the company, Tim McEvoy, currently its deputy general counsel, will assume the role of general counsel effective August 15.