HOCKEY HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES UPCOMING SEARCH FOR THE NEXT PRESIDENT AND CEO
By: Kelly Masse, Hockey Hall of Fame
TORONTO (June 26, 2024)—Lanny McDonald, Chair of the Board of the Hockey Hall of Fame, announced today that long-time executive Jeff Denomme will retire from the office of President and CEO following the next annual general meeting in spring 2025. Succession plans were tabled at the Board of Directors meeting held on Monday, and further information regarding the recruitment process will be announced this fall.
Denomme started with the Hockey Hall of Fame as an intern in 1986. He later served as Vice-President, Finance and Operations while playing an instrumental role in the design, construction, and operational planning for the Hall’s relocation and expansion from the Canadian National Exhibition grounds to BCE Place (now Brookfield Place), Toronto, in June 1993. Promoted to President, Chief Operating Officer, and Treasurer in 1998, and after spearheading three further expansions, Denomme’s path led to his current appointment as President and CEO since August 2013.
“Jeff’s outstanding contributions and behind-the-scenes leadership have been paramount to the Hockey Hall of Fame’s development, growth, sustainability, and success throughout his tenure of 38-plus years,” said McDonald. “In my experience as a past member of the Selection Committee and continuing as Chair of the Board, I am especially impressed with Jeff’s exceptional work ethic and versatile hands-on approach to strategic planning, corporate finance, governance matters, facilities design, marketing partnerships, project management, contracts, and so on.”
“It has been a tremendous honour and privilege to serve the Hall for my entire career surrounded by countless people who are passionate about our great game, including those whose contributions exemplify excellence at the highest level,” said Denomme. “I am grateful for the opportunities and support that have made possible so many special highlights for me personally and foremost the advancement of hockey’s iconic cultural institution and destination attraction. I look forward to working with our Board and dedicated management team in support of a smooth and successful leadership transition.”
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The Hockey Hall of Fame (“HHOF”) was established in 1943 to honor and memorialize individuals who have brought special distinction to the game of hockey and those who made outstanding contributions to the development and advancement of hockey anywhere in the world and to collect, research, preserve, exhibit and promote objects, images and other historical materials connected with the game at all levels. As a not-for-profit corporation and registered charity, HHOF owns and operates a museum and place of entertainment offering state-of-the-art exhibits, theatrical presentations, and educational programming from its premises at Brookfield Place, Toronto, and a multi-purpose archive, resource center, and research facility located at 400 Kipling Avenue, Toronto.
