Changing of the guard at Canadian Olympic Committee

The national body revealed a range of updates to its senior management this week, set to support key priorities, strengthen the capacity of the COC's team and bring fresh perspectives to the board's decision-making.

The Canadian Olympic Committee announced the series of senior leadership changes on Monday, as Marianne Bolhuis was appointed general counsel and chief External Affairs officer. Bolhuis joined the COC in 2018 as general counsel and Corporate secretary. Alongside her existing responsibilities, she will now oversee government relations and advocacy, international relations and matters concerning the International Olympic Committee, strategic communications and the organisation's bidding activities.

Before joining the COC, Bolhuis worked as Canadian regional counsel in the legal department of a major multinational consumer goods company. She also gained substantial international experience during a year-long global assignment.

Marie-Andrée Lessard, OLY, was promoted to vice-president, Games and Performance. Previously senior director of Games, she will take on a broader remit extending beyond the delivery of Olympic Games operations. Her responsibilities will include setting priorities across the COC's sporting portfolio, strengthening the relationship between Games planning and performance strategies, and bringing a more integrated perspective to decisions affecting the organisation as a whole.

Prior to signing on with the body, Lessard represented Team Canada in beach volleyball at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Vice-president, Business Development and Partnerships was assigned to Colin Freeman. Having joined the COC in 2012, he most recently served as Senior Director of Partnerships, Business Development and Commercial Affairs.

In addition to overseeing partnership and business development, Freeman will play a central role in shaping the COC's commercial strategy, with a particular emphasis on revenue growth and diversification. His expanded responsibilities will also involve responding to the evolving needs and opportunities within Canada's sporting system.

Freeman has worked on the commercial teams of the organising committees for the Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 Olympic Games.

David Shoemaker, COC CEO and secretary general, highlighted the experience and contributions of the three executives. "These appointments reflect the significant contributions Marianne, Marie-Andrée and Colin have made over the years through their leadership of key initiatives and programmes," Shoemaker stated.

"I am confident that this approach will enable the COC to achieve its objectives as we look towards Los Angeles 2028, French Alps 2030 and beyond," he added.