The Canadian Hockey league (CHL) is naming its first full-time President.
Long-time National Basketball Association (NBA) executive Dan MacKenzie has been named to the job and starts with the CHL in September.
He will report to the Executive Council consisting of the commissioners of the three member leagues – David Branch of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), Gilles Courteau of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), and Ron Robison of the Western Hockey League (WHL).
As President of the CHL, MacKenzie will be responsible for growing the game, along with enhancing the player and fan experience.
“Dan has a unique combination of league operations, sports marketing and business experience along with being a former school teacher," says OHL Commissioner, David Branch. "His experience will help the CHL continue to grow and expand our programs and player experience."
Branch goes on to say that the CHL conducted an extensive search to find the ideal candidate to assume this role and he believes MacKenzie is that person.
MacKenzie sits on the Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) Canada Board of Advisors, was the former Chair of the Sponsorship Marketing Council of Canada (SMCC) and was the recipient of the George Brown College Alumni Achievement Award. He holds a Masters degree in Sports Management from the University of Ohio, a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McMaster University, a Bachelor of Education degree from Brock University, and is a graduate of George Brown College Sport and Event Marketing Program. MacKenzie currently lives in Guelph with his wife, two children and their dog.