Bob Vander Weide is stepping down as the Orlando Magic’s chief executive officer, team officials announced Tuesday morning.

Alex Martins has been promoted from team president to CEO.

Speaking to the Orlando Sentinel on Tuesday morning, Martins said team officials had contact with Dwight Howard on Monday, with Howard having an in-person meeting with General Manager Otis Smith and contact with Vander Weide.

Martins said Vander Weide’s decision to step down has nothing to do with Howard, who can become a free agent after the 2011-12 season. Martins said Vander Weide had been planning to step down for months but wanted to wait until the NBA’s labor dispute was resolved.

via Josh Robbins – Orlando Sentinel.