Hockey Canada appointed Katherine Henderson as its next president and chief executive officer on Tuesday.
Henderson, who has spent the last seven years as Curling Canada CEO, will guide a national sport organization that has been in rebuild mode since late last year after a series of scandals led to the departure of top federation brass.
“The future of hockey is limitless,” Henderson said in a statement released by Hockey Canada. “As a winter sport nation, with a long tradition in our ice and snow sports, playing and watching hockey is undeniably a part of who we are as Canadians.
“I am looking forward to working with our board and staff, our athletes, our members and local associations, our corporate and hockey partners, and our fans and participants to ensure that all Canadians have a personal hockey experience that is right for them.”
Henderson will be tasked with overseeing a federation that was rocked last year by its handling of sexual assault allegations and settlement payouts. Federal and corporate funding was slashed as scandals mounted.
Hockey Canada’s board of directors resigned last October along with interim board chair Andrea Skinner. President and CEO Scott Smith also left the organization.
Retired judge Hugh L. Fraser was later named Hockey Canada’s new chair and a new board of directors was named. Henderson will begin her new role on Sept. 4.
“Katherine has the track record and experience to lead the ongoing transformation of Hockey Canada,” he said in a statement. “With her at the helm we are confident that we will continue to take the steps necessary to ensure hockey is a safe and inclusive sport and that Hockey Canada benefits from best-in-class governance.”
WATCH | Government funding restored to Hockey Canada:
The federal government says it will restore funding to Hockey Canada following controversy linked to its handling of alleged sexual assault claims. But the government warns this will not be a blank cheque and sets out expectations for the organization going forward.
Henderson previously served as the senior vice-president of marketing and revenue for the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto.
She has also held roles in marketing and branding with Whirlpool Corporation, Colgate Palmolive Canada, Campbell Soup Canada and General Mills Canada.
Henderson, who will be based in Toronto, will begin her new role with Hockey Canada on Sept. 4.
Her hire coincided with Bauer Hockey reinstating its brand and equipment partnership with Hockey Canada.
Last October, it joined a growing list of companies to pause support for Hockey Canada, which drew widespread criticism for its handling of an alleged group sexual assault involving members of the 2018 men’s national junior team.
Specifically, Bauer paused its equipment arrangement with the men’s world junior team, redirecting those resources to girls, Para and other initiatives to grow the game.
Bauer released the following statement on Tuesday: “As a leader in the game, our priority has always been ensuring transparency and accountability, as well as driving positive change within Hockey Canada. It’s critical that we ensure hockey is safe, accessible, inclusive and welcoming for all children and families.
“As much as we publicly recognized the serious challenges at Hockey Canada, we believe we now need to acknowledge the progress the organization has made in several key areas. While there is more work to do, Hockey Canada has implemented many of the proposals from the independent Cromwell report and as announced today hired a seasoned leader to serve as CEO.
“Katherine is an experienced executive who has led corporate turnarounds and balanced investing in grassroots programs with winning elite athletic competitions. Hockey Canada needs this specific experience and leadership, and Katherine has the background and vision to deliver it.”
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