May
Ex-Eskimos director named league chairman
Courtesy Edmonton Journal:
Former Edmonton Eskimos chairman John Butler is stepping into the same role with the Canadian Football League.
Butler, a top Edmonton corporate lawyer, succeeds Winnipeg business executive Gene Dunn, as the new chairman of the CFL’s board of governors, the league announced Friday.
Dunn steps down after three successful years.
“It’s a tremendous honour to serve as chair and I’m looking forward to serving our league, our teams and our fans,” said Butler, who has previously served as chair of the Eskimos board of directors, a member of the CFL’s board of governors, and chair of the CFL’s audit and finance committee.
“The CFL is an important part of my life, just as it’s an important part of the life of so many Canadians.” Butler is also a director of Telus Corporation, Liquor Stores Income Fund, and several other major corporations.
“It’s the passion of our fans that drives our league, but it’s the collective vision of our governors that steers it, and we’re very honoured to have someone of John’s status and experience to lead our discussions,” CFL commissioner Mark Cohon said in a statement.
“He combines a profound understanding of governance and the law with a deep love of Canadian football, all of which make him an excellent choice.” Butler was recently elected to the CFL post in an unanimous vote by the board of governors, which also thanked Dunn for his work since 2006.
“The past three years have been marked by stability and success for the CFL, and Gene’s stewardship has been one of the important reasons why,” said Cohon.
The league board of governors also elected Rob Pletch as vice-chairman of the CFL board of directors. Pletch is director and chairman of the board of the Saskatchewan Roughriders; chairman and partner of the law firm MacPherson, Leslie and Tyerman LLP; chair of the board of SaskEnergy Inc.; and a director of several other leading businesses and charitable organizations.
