regime change
n. An ironic reference to a change of leadership, particularly in business, politics, or sports.
Examples
2002
I think that if city commissioners and the mayor keep putting their residents' safety at risk, then we need a 'regime change' next election.
—Craig Eaton, “Monnin would bring much-needed change,” Dayton Daily News, October 19, 2002
2002
As you might have heard, we've had a regime change here at the paper. We knew something was up Wednesday when all the TVs in the building suddenly went black, then showed the Star Tribune flag with patriotic music playing. Then the middle managers were dragged from the building in shackles and loaded into black vans — some sort of retreat, I guess. Next thing you knew we had a new editor.
—James Lileks, “New regime has informer already,” Star Tribune (Minneapolis, MN), May 19, 2002
2002 (earliest)
Our fascination and anger and sense of betrayal over the breakup of the old championship Bulls, our curiosity about the new kids, our interest in a front-office regime change — all of it has been dulled until we just sort of shrug, smile and say, "Whatever."
—Rick Telander, “These Bulls in no hurry to improve,” Chicago Sun-Times, April 17, 2002
Notes
lvmh fashion group instituted a regime change at its recently acquired subsidiary, Donna Karan International. The company kicked chief executive Giuseppe Brusone upstairs to be chairman and brought on Fred Wilson, head of LVMH's U.S. fashion division, to accelerate growth.
—“New CEO at Donna Karan,” Crain's New York Business, October 07, 2002