Katherine Henderson named President and CEO of Hockey Canada

CALGARY –

Hockey Canada on Tuesday appointed Katherine Henderson as its new president and chief executive officer.

Henderson, who has been CEO of Curling Canada for the past seven years, will lead a national sports organization that has been in rebuilding mode since late last year after a series of scandals that led to the departure of the top federation.

“The future of hockey is limitless,” Henderson said in a press release. “As a winter sports country, with a long tradition in our ice and snow sports, playing and watching hockey is an undeniable part of who we are as Canadians.

“I look 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 personalized hockey experience that is right for them .”

Henderson is tasked with overseeing a federation that was rocked to its foundations last year by its handling of sexual assault allegations and settlement payouts. Federal and corporate funding was cut as scandals mounted.

Hockey Canada’s board of directors resigned last October, along with interim board chairman Andrea Skinner. President and CEO Scott Smith also left the organization.

Retired judge Hugh L. Fraser later became Hockey Canada’s new chairman and a new board of directors was appointed. The federation has been trying to push ahead with the governance changes outlined in a damning independent report.

“Katherine has the track record and experience to lead the ongoing transformation of Hockey Canada,” said Fraser. “With her at the helm, we are confident that we will continue to take the necessary steps to ensure that hockey is a safe and inclusive sport and that Hockey Canada benefits from best-in-class governance.”

Henderson previously served as senior vice president of marketing and revenue for the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto.

She also held marketing and branding roles at Whirlpool Corporation, Colgate Palmolive Canada, Campbell Soup Canada and General Mills Canada.

Henderson, who will work in Toronto, will begin her new role with Hockey Canada on September 4.

This report from The Canadian Press was first published on July 4, 2023.