Marcel Aubut, CEO of National Hockey League (NHL) side the Quebec Nordiques, has been named president-elect of the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC).
The appointment came after the COC’s quadrennial election yesterday in Vancouver. The COC also elected new board of directors members, each of whom will serve a four-year term through 2012.
“I feel honoured to have been chosen to lead the COC by those who are among the most important people in sport in Canada,” said Marcel Aubut. “It is clear that the support came from every region of the country. They choose me as their leader and I will not disappoint them. The COC, National Sport Federations and athletes can count on me to work with all stakeholders in the Canadian sports system to take this organization to the next level and secure the means to realise our dreams.”
“We will succeed if we all work together. Though language was not an issue in this election, I am proud to be the first francophone to lead this prestigious organisation. I am also especially proud to have been elected in Vancouver, the host city of the upcoming 2010 Olympic Winter Games.”
The COC's two new vice-presidents are Tricia Smith and Gordon Peterson, who will serve their first terms in this capacity.
As president-elect Aubut will serve alongside long-time COC president Michael Chambers following a 2005 decision by the COC’s membership that Chambers will remain in office until after the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
