CFL APPOINTS NEW SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENTS
Newly created positions in football, content and marketing, and finance and business operations support “new strategic direction” – Commissioner Jeffrey L. Orridge
TORONTO -- Today’s appointment of three senior vice-presidents responsible for key priorities supports the new strategic direction of the Canadian Football League, says its Commissioner.
“Our clear emphasis is on our game, our fans and our business,” said Jeffrey L. Orridge.
“We want our product to be the very best it can be, to fully engage our current fans and attract new ones, and to be in the position where teams and the league are taking full advantage of every opportunity”.
Glen Johnson becomes the Senior Vice-President, Football responsible and accountable for all activities and deliverables for our game.
Previously the CFL’s Vice-President, Officiating since December, 2013, Johnson has led the recent reform of the league’s rule book, including improvements to the convert, changes designed to open up the passing game, and the introduction of video review for defensive pass interference, which made the CFL the first league to subject judgement calls to video review.
Before joining the league office on a full-time basis, Johnson combined a decorated 24-year career as an on-field CFL official, during which he earned 11 Grey Cup appointments, with a 27-year career as a technology executive, leading major growth, innovation and change initiatives with major firms.
In the newly formed Football Department, Kevin McDonald becomes the Vice-President for Football Operations and Player Safety, taking on enhanced responsibilities for three areas critical to the well being of our game: day-to-day football operations, player health and safety, and amateur football.
“Kevin will bring his 15 years of experience at the CFL to a laser focus on these areas which are vitally important to our future, at the same time we take full advantage of Glen’s experience as an executive and leader, positioning us to grow and improve our game,” Orridge said.
Christina Litz becomes Senior Vice-President, Content and Marketing, responsible and accountable for content creation and distribution strategies, the league’s brand positioning and promotion, major events and the league’s relationship with its broadcast partners TSN and RDS.
Litz has led the development of the CFL’s new digital platform, revamped its content strategy to partner with digital leaders such as Facebook, Twitter and Whistle Sports, played a key role at the 103rd Grey Cup game in Winnipeg and launched the CFL’s new brand positioning.
“Our strategic plan places a huge emphasis on developing the content and supporting the distribution channels that keep us connected to our avid fans and enable us to attract new fans, including the next generation of fans,” Orridge said. “Shoulder to shoulder with our clubs, Christina is leading this work.”
Prior to joining the CFL two years ago, Litz held senior multimedia executive positions with many of Canada’s leading telecom and communications companies.
David Cuddy becomes Senior Vice-President, Finance and Business Operations, responsible and accountable for the league’s commercial operations, including its financial affairs, legal and corporate governance as well as the league’s licensing and consumer products business.
Since joining the CFL in 2014 from the live concert business, Cuddy has been responsible for the league’s Team Services and Analytics team, which has been working with member clubs to implement an analytically focused business intelligence and shared services strategy. Employing industry best practices, it is designed to enable the entire league to make better business decisions with a primary focus on the league’s ticketing business.
These appointments are effective immediately. Matt Maychak remains Vice-President, Communications and Public Affairs, and Tyler Mazereeuw remains Vice-President, Corporate Partnerships, both reporting to the Commissioner.