Hockey Canada’s CEO and entire board of directors will leave the organization after facing fierce criticism for its handling of alleged sexual assaults.
The national organization announced the departures in a statement on Tuesday after hearing months of calls for leadership changes within the body, and seeing its major sponsors walk away over the past week.
“Effective immediately, (Hockey Canada’s board) announced the departure of chief executive officer Scott Smith. The entire board has also agreed to step down to make room for a new slate of directors,” the statement said.
“An interim management committee will be put in place, which will guide the organization until no later than a newly constituted board appoints a new CEO to lead the organization.”
Furthermore, Hockey Canada said the board will ask its members to select a new slate of directors no later than an upcoming virtual election, which is scheduled for Dec. 17.
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The current board of directors will not seek re-election and will fulfil its “its fiduciary duties until such time as a new board is elected.”
“Hockey Canada is seeking board candidates to shape the future of the organization. We encourage qualified individuals to respond to the call for nominations issued by the independent nominating committee last week,” the statement said.
Hockey Canada added the interim management committee will focus on day-to-day operations and ensure progress on its action play, including reviewing and working with the board towards the “full implementation of the independent governance review recommendations” and effective transition to a new CEO and board of directors.
More to come.
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